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This delicious twist on an Italian classic is quick, easy, and healthy. Our homemade oil-free Spicy Arrabbiata Sauce over pasta is bold and spicy. If you like it hot, then this is the pasta dish for you! Flavor is the name of the game and this dish delivers ten-fold. Definitely not a dish for the timid, this spicy sauce will knock your socks off. It can be whipped up in just about 20 minutes and it is sure to absolutely delight your taste buds, making it this week’s awesome Whip It Up Wednesday recipe.
Whole Food Plant Based, vegan, plant based, oil free, refined sugar free, no highly processed ingredients and gluten free.
Ingredients
- ½ cup red onion, fine dice
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
- 1– [ 14.5 oz. can ] petite diced tomatoes *
- 1 Tablespoon tamari *
- ½ cup vegetable broth *
- ½ cup hot pasta water
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons nutritional yeast
Spice/Herb Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 Tablespoons dried minced onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (+/-) *
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (+/-)
- ½ to 4 teaspoons red pepper flake (+/-) *
Other Ingredients:
- 10 to 15 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
- 12 oz. pasta (of choice) *
Toppings:
- Fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
- Red pepper flake
- Vegan Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Fill a large stock pot full of water. Add some sea salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil then add the pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Note:Pull ½ cup of hot pasta water to use later in the recipe, set aside. Boil the pasta until el dente, drain, rinse with cold water to remove any excess starch, shake well, then transfer the cooked pasta into the sauce in Step 5.
- Place the Spice/Herb Ingredients (starting with a smaller amount of the red pepper flakes) in a small bowl, mix well, set aside.
- In the meantime, in a large ceramic/enamel lined Dutch oven/pot (or similarly large stockpot) add the diced red onion, sauté over medium-high heat for 7 to 9 minutes to soften, then add the finely minced garlic and tomato paste and sauté over medium heat for several minutes.
- Add the petite diced tomatoes, tamari, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, hot pasta water, and baking soda, then increase the heat to a boil, then immediately lower to a simmer, add the Spice/Herb ingredients and fresh basil. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. Taste test the flavors, ramp up any spices if needed to reach the desired flavor.
- Add in the cooked and cooled pasta, heat the pasta through, then remove from the stove and allow the flavors to marry for a few minutes. Top with Vegan Parmesan Cheese, freshly chopped basil and red pepper flakes.
Notes
*Pasta: You can also substitute the pasta for rice, potatoes, or quinoa.
*Vegetable Stock: We use Pacific Organic Low Sodium Vegetable Stock. We love this brand because it is Whole Food Plant Based compliant, as it does not contain MSG, has no oil, and does not contain any highly-processed ingredients.
*Petite Diced Tomatoes: Traditionally San Marzano tomatoes are used. We used petite diced tomatoes.
*Red Pepper Flake: This dish traditionally has quite a bit of heat from the red pepper flake. This dish gets its name from being “hot” or “angry”. The amount used is based entirely upon personal preference and how much heat you enjoy. If unsure, start out with a small amount, you can always add more, but you can’t take away.
*Tamari: We used San J Tamari Soy Sauce, Gluten Free, Reduced Sodium. You can substitute the tamari with reduced sodium soy sauce, Braggs Liquid Aminos, or Braggs Coconut Liquid Aminos.
*Baking Soda: The baking soda is often used as a neutralizer for dishes that contain a lot of acidity, typically from tomatoes. We use it in this dish to remove some of the tomato acidity without losing the tomatoey flavor. When you add it, the mixture will bubble up, then settle down as it neutralizes the acidity.
*Sea Salt: Please adjust the sea salt based upon your family’s sea salt preferences and/or based upon dietary needs.
*Serving: 2 2/3 cups
*Storage: Refrigerate and use within 5 days. | https://monkeyandmekitchenadventures.com/spicy-arrabbiata-sauce/print/10172/ |
A patent application is a request pending at a patent office for the grant of a patent for the invention described and claimed by that application. An application consists of a description of the invention (the patent specification), together with official forms and correspondence relating to the application. The term patent application is also used to refer to the process of applying for a patent, or to the patent specification itself (i.e. the content of the document filed with a view to initiating the process of applying for a patent ).
In order to obtain the grant of a patent, a person, either legal or natural, must file an application at a patent office with jurisdiction to grant a patent in the geographic area over which coverage is required. This will often be a national patent office but could be a regional body, such as the European Patent Office. Once the patent specification complies with the laws of the office concerned, a patent may be granted for the invention described and claimed by the specification.
The process of "negotiating" or "arguing" with a patent office for the grant of a patent, and interaction with a patent office with regard to a patent after its grant, is known as patent prosecution. Patent prosecution is distinct from patent litigation which relates to legal proceedings for infringement of a patent after it is granted.
Read more about Patent Application: Definition, National, Regional and International Applications, Types of Applications, Application Preparation, Filing and Prosecution
Other articles related to "patent application, patent, application, patent applications":
... of maintenance fees in order to retain the validity of a patent after it is issued and during its term ... Failure to timely pay the fees results in loss of the patent's protection ... The validity of an issued patent may also be subject to post-issue challenges of various types, some of which may cause the patent office to re-examine the application ...
... It explains how an inside source at the patent office apparently enabled Bell to gain access to and to steal Elisha Gray's invention ... On 12 January, 1876, Bell makes 3 copies of his original patent application ... On February 14, 1876 Elisha Gray files a "caveat" (like a provisional patent application) for a variable resistance telephone ...
... On December 28, 1995, a Synteni (now Incyte Genomics) patent application WO/95/35505 was published describing a new microarray invention ... A Synteni competitor, Affymetrix, filed a patent application describing almost exactly the same invention within six months ... This patent application issued as U.S ...
... If a South African inventor applies for a patent, the application is accompanied by a provisional or complete specification ... and forms the basis for a complete patent application and foreign patent applications ... been fully developed and tested, a fresh patent application, with complete specification, is filed ...
... A patent caveat, often shortened to caveat, was a legal document filed with the United States Patent Office ... Patent Act of 1836, but were discontinued in 1909, with the U.S ... A caveat was similar to a patent application with a description of an invention and drawings, but without examination for patentable subject matter and without a requirement ...
Famous quotes containing the words application and/or patent: | https://www.primidi.com/patent_application |
Article Tools
Mental health care most often comes to the broad public’s attention as an aspect of a different story — the opioid crisis, mass incarceration, access to deadly weapons, and so on.
But for people with mental health issues and their families, and the professionals who try to help them, it’s a daily reality and often a long, difficult grind.
In Pennsylvania county governments provide an array of mental health services that are funded primarily by the state government. At a recent legislative hearing, the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania told legislators that increased state mental health funding is the counties’ top policy priority.
Gov. Tom Wolf announced several new mental health initiatives in January, and legislators from both parties in both houses have expressed the need to improve mental health care access in a variety of ways, including through more school psychologists, greater access to addiction treatment, parity for mental and physical health care in insurance coverage, and more.
In a good sign, Republican Rep. Tom Murt of Montgomery County, chairman of the House Human Services Committee, agreed with the commissioners. He said he suspected that inadequate state spending on mental health has contributed to increased homelessness, and that many veterans are in jail because the state has not provided adequate resources to help those with mental health issues return to civilian life.
Lawmakers should restore $81 million in mental health services funding that was cut due to budget constraints in 2013. And they should listen to the local officials to ensure that state mental health services funding goes to where it is needed most.
Mental health care is not a partisan issue because mental illness is completely unbiased; it can affect anyone at any time. The Legislature should rise to this challenge.
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EVALUATION OF AUTOMATIC PASSENGER COUNTERS: VALIDATION, SAMPLING, AND STATISTICAL INFERENCE
Whereas automatic passenger counters (APCs) offer the potential for cost-effective data recovery, they introduce new complications in the data recovery process. Three issues associated with the use of APCs are addressed on the basis of the experience of the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon. The first issue is validation, which concerns both recovery and accuracy of APC passenger data. The second concerns the design of a sampling methodology for APCs compatible with UMTA's Section 15 reporting requirements. Third is inferring system-level ridership from sample data in the presence of selective APC failures. APCs provided systematically accurate passenger counts. Given that APCs recover operating data for all bus trips making up a vehicle schedule, a cluster sampling method was developed. Selective data recovery failures can bias estimates of system-level ridership. When data recovery rates vary by bus type, route type, or time of day, inferences may over- or under-represent total system ridership. In these circumstances, post hoc stratification of the sample is recommended. Several alternative corrections based on a priori knowledge of the mix of bus types and schedule characteristics in the system are presented.
- Record URL:
- Record URL:
-
Availability:
- Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0309051169
-
Supplemental Notes:
- This paper appears in Transportation Research Record No. 1308, Public Transit Research: Rail, Bus, and New Technology 1991. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
-
Authors:
- Strathman, James G
- Hopper, Janet R
- Publication Date: 1991
Media Info
- Features: References; Tables;
- Pagination: p. 69-77
- Monograph Title: Public transit research: rail, bus, and new technology 1991
-
Serial: | https://trid.trb.org/view/364493 |
996 So.2d 553 (2008)
Gary Lynn HONEYCUTT, et al., Plaintiffs/Appellees
v.
Virginia Ann BROOKINGS, Defendant/Appellant
Virginia Ann Brookings, Plaintiff/Appellant
v.
Gary Lynn Honeycutt & Tatiana I. Honeycutt, Defendants/Appellees
Virginia Ann Brookings, Plaintiff/Appellant
v.
Paul Miller & Judy Miller, Defendants/Appellees.
Nos. 43,605-CA, 43,606-CA, 43,607-CA.
Court of Appeal of Louisiana, Second Circuit.
October 1, 2008.
*555 Blanchard, Walker, O'Quin & Roberts by M. Thomas Arceneaux, Shreveport, for Appellant, Virginia Ann Brookings.
Wiener, Weiss & Madison by Geoffrey D. Westmoreland, Amanda E. Waddell, Shreveport, for Appellees, Gary Lynn Honeycutt, et al.
Before PEATROSS, MOORE & LOLLEY, JJ.
PEATROSS, J.
Neighbors of veterinarian Dr. Virginia Brookings sought injunctive and declaratory relief alleging violations of the use restrictions in the protective covenants of Lawler Gardens Subdivision in Blanchard, Louisiana, because of Dr. Brookings' dogs and newly constructed outbuilding/kennel. The trial court initially issued a preliminary and permanent injunction, ordering that the seven dog runs extending from the outbuilding/kennel be dismantled and that all dogs be kept inside Dr. Brookings' residence and not in the outbuilding/kennel. Following a motion for new trial, in an amended and restated judgment, the trial court maintained the order for removal of the dog runs, but allowed two of the dogs (same two dogs) to be considered "outside" dogs. Dr. Brookings appeals. For the reasons stated herein, we affirm.
FACTS
Dr. Brookings resides in Lawler Gardens Subdivision in Blanchard, Louisiana. The subdivision is a semi-rural setting, with large lots, some of which include several acres of land. Dr. Brookings raises and shows dogs mainly, miniature Doberman pinschers and Japanese Chins. The record reflects that, for some years, at least since 1998, Dr. Brookings has housed approximately 10 dogs at her residence (and at times as many as 20), with the dogs eating and sleeping inside the residence, but having extended periods of unattended recreational time outside in the backyard.
The Millers, plaintiffs herein, live next door to Dr. Brookings. The Honeycutts, also plaintiffs herein, live across the street from Dr. Brookings. All parties acknowledge that Dr. Brookings has had dogs for years; however, the Millers and Honeycutts argue that it was not until the building of the outbuilding/kennel at issue in this case that the dogs and their housing became a problem in the neighborhood.
In 2003, Dr. Brookings built two outside kennels for the dogs immediately adjacent to the Millers' property. The photographs in the record show this to be a small chain link fenced area. There is, however, some dispute in the testimony as to how extensively this fenced area was used for kenneling Dr. Brookings' dogs.
Around November 2006, Dr. Brookings began construction of a 900 square foot outbuilding/kennel in her backyard with 7 dog runs connected thereto to house the dogs. The runs are indoor/outdoor with guillotine-style dog doors connecting each outdoor run to the indoor unit. Unless the dog doors are closed, the dogs can run freely inside or outside in the runs. Each run can house 2 dogs; the facility can house 14 dogs total. The structure was built on a slab and is fully plumbed, heated and cooled.
On or about the day that construction was beginning on the outbuilding/kennel, Dr. Brookings approached Mr. Miller and advised him that she was remodeling her kitchen and building the facility for the dogs. Mr. Miller had subsequent conversations *556 with the contractor and workers from whom he learned the specific plans for the building, including that it was to be 900 square feet, fully plumbed and have built-in chain link dog runs. There is some discrepancy in the testimony as to the exact conversations that took place, but it is undisputed that Mr. Miller voiced his objection to the building to Dr. Brookings and, alternatively, requested that the building be moved farther back on the lot. Dr. Brookings, however, continued with the construction as planned. The record also reflects a conversation between Mr. Honeycutt and Dr. Brookings wherein Mr. Honeycutt objected to the building of the kennel facility. In any event, construction continued and the kennel facility was completed. On completion of the facility, all of the dogs were housed in the kennel. Dr. Brookings testified that she closed the dogs inside the building at night, but admitted that the dogs had free run of the indoor/outdoor runs during the day. The dogs did not stay in her residence once the kennel was completed.
Mr. Miller testified that he could hear the dogs barking from the inside of his residence. He further testified that he often goes outdoors during the nighttime hours to smoke and that the dogs would come outside into the runs and bark incessantly at him. Mr. Miller also complained of the obstruction of view created by the outbuilding/kennel from his backyard. Mr. Honeycutt testified that he too could hear Dr. Brookings' dogs barking from across the street, mainly in the mornings and evenings.[1]
Plaintiffs hired an attorney who sent a demand letter, dated December 20, 2006, to Dr. Brookings, advising her that the activity was in violation of the protective covenants of the subdivision and demanding that construction cease. Following the first demand letter, Plaintiffs' counsel failed to move the case along; and, therefore, Plaintiffs hired other counsel. A second demand letter was sent by new counsel to Dr. Brookings on January 22, 2007, all to no avail. This suit for injunctive relief followed.
As previously stated, the trial court granted Plaintiffs' request for injunctive relief, finding that the outbuilding/kennel was violative of the use restrictions of the protective covenants of Lawler Gardens Subdivision. In the amended and restated judgment, the trial court ordered Dr. Brookings to dismantle and remove the outdoor dog runs from the outbuilding/kennel. The court further stated that Dr. Brookings could have two outdoor dogs, provided they were the same two dogs, and all other dogs were to be kept in her residence as much as possible. Finally, the trial court ordered that all dogs be housed in the residence, not the outbuilding/kennel. This appeal ensued.
*557 DISCUSSION
On appeal, Dr. Brookings assigns the following as error (verbatim):
1. The District Court erroneously concluded that the Outbuilding violated the Use restrictions.
2. If the Outbuilding did violate the Use Restrictions, the District Court erroneously concluded that the restriction against detached buildings was not abandoned.
3. If the restriction against detached buildings was not abandoned, the District Court erroneously concluded that the restrictions against detached buildings had not perempted or prescribed as to Dr. Brookings' lot.
4. The District court erroneously concluded that Dr. Brookings' dogs were not outside dogs, such that any restriction against more than two outside dogs perempted or prescribed because the dogs had been at Dr. Brookings' property in excess of two years prior to this action.
5. To the extent Dr. Brookings' dogs were not outside dogs, the District Court erroneously required the dogs to be kept in Dr. Brookings' house "as much as possible," as the extended outside stays by the dogs would not make them outside dogs in violation of the Use Restrictions.
6. To the extent the presence of a large number of dogs would constitute a nuisance or annoyance in violation of the Use Restrictions, the District Court erroneously failed to conclude that no action could be brought based on the violation because the activity had been conducted for well more than two years prior to the institution of this action.
7. The District Court erroneously concluded that exterior dog runs or pens violated the Use Restrictions and, if they did, the District Court erroneously concluded that any action to require removal of the dog runs had [not] (sic) prescribed or perempted.
These assignments of error collectively raise three primary issues, which will be addressed in turn. The first inquiry is whether the outbuilding/kennel and/or dog-related activities on Dr. Brookings' property are violative of the use restrictions of the protective covenants of the subdivision. The second question concerns whether any or all of the restrictive covenants have been abandoned. The third issue is whether the action to enjoin any violation of the restrictive covenants has prescribed by the passage of two years without complaint by the neighbors.
The Use Restrictions
Building restrictions are sui generis real rights which may be enforced by mandatory and prohibitory injunctions. In a subdivision subject to building restrictions, each landowner is adversely affected by violations and, therefore, has a substantive right and procedural standing to enforce the building restrictions. Harrison v. Myers, 25,902 (La.App. 2d Cir.6/22/94), 639 So.2d 402, citing Lakeshore Property Owners Ass'n, Inc. v. Delatte, 579 So.2d 1039 (La.App. 4th Cir.1991), writ denied, 586 So.2d 560 (La.1991).
Lawler Gardens Subdivision contains 14 lots. The protective covenants of the subdivision were adopted September 10, 1992, and the use restrictions thereof provide, in pertinent part, as follows:
1. LAND USE AND BUILDING TYPE. No lot shall be used except for residential purposes. No building shall be erected, altered, placed or permitted to remain on any lot other than detached *558 single-family dwellings not to exceed three (3) stories in height.
2. DWELLING SIZE. The floor area of the main structure, exclusive of all exterior storage, whether attached or detached, open porches and garages, shall be not less than eleven hundred (1,100) square feet. No building shall have less than fourteen hundred (1,400) square feet, which will include floor area, covered porches and/or carports.
* * *
11. NUISANCES. No noxious or offensive activity shall be carried on upon any lot, nor shall anything be done thereon which may be or may become an annoyance or nuisance to the neighborhood.
* * *
12. TEMPORARY STRUCTURES. No structure of a temporary character, trailer, basement, tent, shack, garage, barn, or other outbuilding shall be used on any lot any time as a residence, either temporarily or permanently.
* * *
16. LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY. No animals, livestock, or poultry of any kind shall be raised, bred or kept on any lot, except dogs, cats or other household pets may be kept, provided they are not kept, bred or maintained for commercial purposes. Nor more than two (2) outside dogs per family will be permitted. The Caddo Parish Leash Laws shall apply at all times.
Building restrictions, including protective covenants of subdivisions, are subject to the general rules of contract interpretation. La. C.C. art. 783; Head v. Gray, 41,290 (La.App. 2d Cir.8/23/06), 938 So.2d 1084, writ denied, 06-2353 (La.12/15/06), 945 So.2d 690. Doubt as to the existence, validity or extent of building restrictions is resolved in favor of the unrestricted use of immovables. La. C.C. art. 783.
The Outbuilding/Kennel
Read together, use restrictions numbers 1 and 2 clearly contemplate exterior storage structures in addition to the single family residence allowed on each lot. Clarification is provided in use restriction number 12, which provides that any structure of a temporary nature must not be used as a residence. It is this court's opinion that such "temporary structures" encompass the contemplated exterior storage structures referenced in use restriction 2. In summary, the use restrictions allow exterior storage structures of a temporary nature in addition to the residence as long as the exterior storage structure is not used as a residence.
Applying this interpretation of the use restrictions, we find that the trial court was legally correct in concluding that the outbuilding/kennel constructed by Dr. Brookings violates the restrictions. Photographs contained in the record show a commercial grade kennel facility. The building is 900 square feet, on a permanent slab and has plumbing and central heat and air conditioning. The outdoor dog runs are also positioned on the slab. The only other building of a permanent nature in the subdivision referenced in this case is a detached garage built on a slab adjacent to Mr. Honeycutt's residence. This garage was constructed, however, prior to the adoption of the protective covenants of the subdivision.
After reviewing the photographs and testimony pertaining to the other neighborhood exterior storage buildings, we find them all to be of a temporary nature. Specifically, Dr. Brookings asserts that, in *559 1996 or 1997, she and her former husband constructed a red building behind the residence that her former husband used as a guitar shop for years. She argues that it was not temporary, but permanent, as it was built on site and had electrical power. Dr. Brookings likens the red "guitar" shop to her outbuilding/kennel and further characterizes the kennel facility as one for storage, dog housing and hobbies. We are not persuaded by this argument and find telling the fact that the red "guitar" shop is no longer located on the property, having been removed in 2002. In addition, the photographs support the conclusion that the other exterior structures in the neighborhood are temporary. See Mitchell v. Killins, 408 So.2d 969 (La.App. 2d Cir.1981).
Nuisance
Although Dr. Brookings is correct in her observation that the use restrictions do not specifically prohibit an outdoor dog kennel, we find that, under the specific facts of this case, there is no error in the conclusion that the dog-related activity at Dr. Brookings' outbuilding/kennel facility was violative of use restriction 11, prohibiting nuisance or annoying and offensive activity to the neighborhood. Mr. Miller and Mr. Honeycutt testified as to the barking of the 13 dogs and Mr. Miller testified that the dogs are free to run outdoors at will. Significantly, Dr. Brookings admitted in her testimony that 13 dogs at large on the property could be a nuisance.
Abandonment of Use Restrictions
Once a plaintiff seeking an injunction has established a violation of a restriction, the burden shifts to the defendant to prove a termination or abandonment of that restriction. Harrison, supra. La. C.C. art. 782 provides:
Building restrictions terminate by abandonment of the whole plan or by a general abandonment of a particular restriction. When the entire plan is abandoned the affected area is freed of all restrictions; when a particular restriction is abandoned, the affected area is freed of that restriction only.
Comment (b) to the article states, in pertinent part:
Abandonment of a particular restriction is predicated on a sufficient number of violations of that restriction in relation to the number of lots affected by it.
In the case sub judice, the trial court properly found that the exterior structures on other properties in the subdivision were not violations of the use restrictions as they are all of a temporary nature. These other exterior structures cannot, therefore, serve as a basis for abandonment of the use restrictions. The only other structure that might be characterized as permanent in nature is Mr. Honeycutt's garage, which, as previously stated, was constructed prior to the adoption of the restrictions. In any event, the presence of one other permanent structure would be insufficient to support a defense of abandonment.
Prescription
La. C.C. art. 781 provides that no action for injunction or damages on account of a building restriction violation may be brought after two years from the commencement of a noticeable violation. The comments to the article state that, once prescription has run, the restriction "is treated as if it never existed on a piece of land." La. C.C. art. 781, comment (c).
Dr. Brookings again argues that the red "guitar" shop building was permanent in nature and existed as a noticeable violation of the use restrictions for approximately four years with no complaint. She *560 submits, therefore, that her property is freed from the restriction under article 781. For the reasons set forth above, we find no merit in this argument. The red building was not permanent in nature as it was removed from the backyard in 2002; and, therefore, it cannot provide the requisite noticeable violation to free Dr. Brookings' property from the use restriction.
Dr. Brookings further asserts that any violation of the nuisance restriction has been abandoned because she has had many dogs at her residence for years with no complaints from her neighbors. Necessary to the determination of this issue is classification of the dogs as indoor or outdoor dogs both prior to and subsequent to the building of the outbuilding/kennel facility. The testimony of Dr. Brookings and Mr. Miller is consistent that, before the kennel was built, the dogs were fed mostly inside the residence and always slept inside. Although the dogs were allowed to defecate and urinate in the backyard, and also exercise, sometimes for extended periods of time during the day, the dogs were housed in crates inside the residence and were not left outside overnight. At that time, the dogs closely fit the definition of "indoor dog" provided in Section 4-3(y) of the Caddo Parish Animal Ordinance, which defines an indoor dog as "any dog that lives inside the dwelling, is not left outside unattended, eats and sleeps inside the dwelling." A dwelling is defined in Section 4-3(t) as "the house or other structure in which one or more persons live." Prior to the completion of the outbuilding/kennel, Dr. Brookings' dogs were indoor dogs.
In contrast, on completion of the outbuilding/kennel facility, the dogs were housed in the new building. Dr. Brookings testified that the dogs were housed inside the facility at night and had the run of the indoor/outdoor runs during the day. The dogs no longer ate and slept inside the dwelling of Dr. Brookings, but were left outside unattended the majority of the time. The dogs became outdoor dogs with their move to the outdoor kennels.
The critical element to be gleaned from the classification of the dogs is found in Mr. Miller's testimony pertaining to the change in the level of barking or offensive activity with the completion of the kennel facility. Dr. Brookings argues, however, that the action is prescribed because she had so many dogs for more than two years and none of the neighbors complained. This argument misses the critical element, however, because the dog-related activity was not a nuisance or actionably annoying or offensive until the dogs became outdoor dogs and began living full-time in the kennel facility which allowed them to go outside at will. In other words, there was no noticeable violation until the outbuilding/kennel came into use in November or December. Suit was filed in January; therefore, the request for injunctive relief was not prescribed under article 781.
In summary, we find no error in the trial court's conclusions in the case sub judice. The trial court fashioned the most equitable remedy possible under the circumstances of this case, without requiring costly demolition of the outbuilding. By ordering the runs to be dismantled and the dogs to be kept in the residence, the judgment assures that the dogs will not be allowed to run at large in the outdoor runs. Finally, Dr. Brookings is allowed two outdoor dogs by law and there is no error in that portion of the judgment.
CONCLUSION
For the reasons stated herein, the judgment of the trial court is affirmed at the cost of Appellant, Virginia Ann Brookings.
AFFIRMED.
NOTES
[1] At the time Dr. Brookings built the outbuilding/kennel, she was a member of the Caddo Parish Animal Services Board ("the Board"). Dr. Brookings testified that, after the dispute herein arose, she became aware that it would be necessary for her to obtain a noncommercial kennel permit from Caddo Parish Animal Services because of the kennel facility at her residence. On the application for the non-commercial permit, dated April 27, 2007, which is contained in the record, Dr. Brookings indicated that she owned 13 show dogs for conformation and obedience and listed the name of the business as VaBrook Kennels. The application was approved May 4, 2007, and the Animal Establishment Permit was issued to VaBrook Kennels on March 9, 2007. The permit allows the permit holder to kennel 1-49 dogs on the premises. Dr. Brookings further testified that, to avoid any potential conflict of interest as a non-commercial kennel permit holder, she resigned her position on the Board. Her letter of resignation to the Board, dated April 26, 2007, is contained in the record.
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The use of X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allows us to determine a number of important microstructural parameters. With the aid of these two key methods, we can (i) identify crystalline substances and the volume fractions of phases in multiphase materials, (ii) determine textures (e.g. textures associated with solidification processes and thermomechanical treatments and (iii) image, chemically analyse and crystallographically identify small particles (e.g. carbides). SEM also allows to study rupture surfaces to identify the origin of materials failures. The principle of both procedures relies on the interaction of particle waves with crystals. In the SEM section, the origin of contrast, the indexing of electron diffraction patterns and the chemical analysis in the SEM (EDX) is covered. In the section devoted to X-ray analysis, the most important techniques used in materials science are discussed. These include powder diffractrometry, the Laue method, the measurement of internal stresses and texture measurements. Demonstrations using a modern SEM and a modern X-ray diffractometer complement the theory taught in the lectures. The classes are held on in the summer semester on Thursdays from 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm.
Lecture Announcement SS20
ROE&TEM SoSe-20.pdf
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abstract: 'A significant challenge in developing AI that can generalize well is designing agents that learn about their world without being told what to learn, and apply that learning to challenges with sparse rewards. Moreover, most traditional reinforcement learning approaches explicitly separate learning and decision making in a way that does not correspond to biological learning. We implement an architecture founded in principles of experimental neuroscience, by combining computationally efficient abstractions of biological algorithms. Our approach is inspired by research on spike-timing dependent plasticity, the transition between short and long term memory, and the role of various neurotransmitters in rewarding curiosity. The Neurons-in-a-Box architecture can learn in a wholly generalizable manner, and demonstrates an efficient way to build and apply representations without explicitly optimizing over a set of criteria or actions. We find it performs well in many environments including OpenAI Gym’s Mountain Car, which has no reward besides touching a hard-to-reach flag on a hill, Inverted Pendulum, where it learns simple strategies to improve the time it holds a pendulum up, a video stream, where it spontaneously learns to distinguish an open and closed hand, as well as other environments like Google Chrome’s Dinosaur Game.'
bibliography:
- 'references.bib'
---
Introduction {#sec:intro}
============
Previous works introduce the concept of spiking neural networks and illustrate reinforcement learning as a potential use case [@DONAHOE1997336; @Stanley:2002:ERL:2955491.2955578; @1595864]. We build upon these works by abstracting away the necessity for spike trains and introducing new ideas from neuroscience, including memory formation, intrinsic motivation, and computationally-efficient algorithms for spike-timing dependent plasticity.
Background
==========
Spike-Timing Dependent Plasticity
---------------------------------
Spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) is a biological phenomenon that constantly updates the strength of connections between neurons in the brain based on firing patterns. Connections strengths are adjusted based on the timings between a neuron firing and its input neurons firing, such that neurons that fire consecutively have their connections strengthened in the “direction” of firing. This formulation has been shown to explain characteristics of long-term depression and other neuroscientific phenomena, as shown in [@debanne1994asynchronous].
One natural but generally not-revealing approach is the use of STDP to train a neural network to identify patterns, then using a separate neural network trained on the STDP network’s firings to make predictions. This approach was used to accurately predict road traffic dynamics by @kasabov2014neucube.
Another important adaptation of STDP to the formulation of reinforcement learning is called reward-modulated STDP, as explained in [@florian2007reinforcement]. The idea is that including a global reward signal into the standard STDP formulation can be analytically shown to lead to a reinforcement learning algorithm, thus “modulating” the STDP with the reward. In essence, this is simply STDP where the learning update step is multiplied by the reward. We see that in a later section, we continue to draw upon neuroscience research by coming up with intrinsic rewards based on motivation rather than explicit rewards specified by the environment or programmer.
Long-Term and Short-Term Memory
-------------------------------
Research indicates that there are distinct chemical and physiological properties of neural connections which correspond to long-term and short-term memory [@pmid25007209]. Moreover, there seem to be explicit chemical causes for this transition [@10.3389/fncir.2013.00052]. In the context of spike-timing dependent plasticity, a transition from short-term to long-term memory of a connection that has been consistently, actively predictive allows for more sophisticated new representations to be built ones.
Intrinsic Reward
----------------
Intrinsic reward refers to the idea that humans often learn and discover useful behaviors within their environments through experimentation, exploration, and often just spontaneity. In work modeling intrinsic reward signals in artificial agents, researchers frequently draw an analogy with young infants, who are often observed to learn about the world by engaging with it through “playful behavior” [@2018arXiv180207442H]. The goal in similar research is discovering a reward signal which allows an agent to learn effectively about its environment in a generalizable manner, regardless of the structure of the environment.
Neural Noise
------------
Some amount of neural noise has consistently been shown to be useful in training spiking neural models and appears to be important in actual neuronal processing, though aside from possibly preventing overfitting, the function this noise plays in the actual brain is a topic of debate [@Longtin:2013; @Engel2015]. Regardless, some baseline level of firing encourages a model that does something rather than nothing.
Approach {#sec:approach}
========
Architecture
------------
As our model, we constructed a Neuron-in-a-Box architecture. This architecture was composed of an input layer which took in pixel input (either from a continuous video and/or audio stream) which then produced feedforward outputs into a number of feedforward neurons. These neurons were randomly spatially distributed, and connections were formed such that neurons closer spatially would be more likely to form a connection. Then, a random subset of neurons in a slice of the architecture are selected as output neurons, which were moved to a constant distance from the input.
The long-term memory was implemented by keeping an accumulator which tracks the frequency with which a neuron fires and, if synaptic strength is high enough, changes the plasticity of the connection to false.
The intrinsic reward which we attempted to use was simply the amount of learning that occurs at each timestep. In other words, we expected that training based on amount of novelty would eventually lead to good performance in a similar manner to a curious agent exploring phenomena it finds surprising. Unfortunately, in the dinosaur game, the game-over screen results in more novelty than simply continuing to explore the world, so eventually the agent converges on immediately ending the game. While in theory the game-over screen should eventually become uninteresting to the agent, this did not seem to happen in practice.
Reinforcement
-------------
One guiding principle used was the idea that, at least at this level, a small number of neurons do not explicitly learn state values and choose firings that maximize over these states. Instead, the presence or lack of reward should be used to directly strengthen or weaken neural connections.
### Direct Reward
Suppose we take a very blunt approach: if the neural network did something good, we want it to do that more often. If it did something bad, we want it to do less of that. This “global” update seems pretty consistent with what we see in the brain: many reward pathways, when triggered, affect many neurons at the same time and propagate to large parts of the brain [@wise1989brain].
There are several questions that need to be answered with this approach: first, what should be strengthened with a global reinforcement? For consistency, I will refer to the underlying sensory inputs as sensory neurons, the neurons that are not directly measured when determining an action as intermediate neurons, and the neurons that are directly measured as action neurons.
1. **All neural connections (including inhibitory connections)**: This is far too coarse, and actually weakens the strongest connections relative to everything else due to the maximal connection strength. It introduces noise and encourages unstable solutions. However, combined with STDP, this can encourages the learning of meaningful relationships because neurons that may have nearly fired before, that capture information relevant to the reward, will now be more likely to fire and be related to one another by an action neuron.
2. **Outputs from neurons that fired**: This is more stable, but has another significant problem: sometimes you want to reward passivity. For example, in the pendulum game, the action neurons are rewarded for not firing when the pendulum is at the top. Furthermore, as we know from backpropagation, which we avoided using, not the entire network is equally responsible for the result.
3. **Connections which were used**: That is, where the input neuron fired and the output neuron’s firing corresponds to whether the connection is excitatory (positive) or inhibitory (negative). This is one of the better options, but it is almost always more consequential to fire than to not fire so this ends up killing the network.
4. **Input connections to action neurons**: This is stable and can actually indirectly facilitate the development of “reward neurons,” but can actually result in a disproportionate reinforcement of inputs which are counterproductive (for example, if an action neuron fired with to one strong excitatory input and several weak inhibitory inputs, it would actually become less likely to fire). If instead you consider only the connections that were used, as in the previous item, one could end up silencing all connections there’s a delay between reward and firing.
5. **Input connections to action neurons where both fired**: This is stable and results in behavior learning, but unfortunately still suffers from the same problem as Approach 2. However, STDP can accomplish much of the work which backpropogation is usually used for, allowing neurons that are strengthened to strengthen their inputs which are responsible.
### STDP Reinforcement
There are two ways that we considered using STDP to directly shape behavior. First, we can simply multiply the STDP reward update by the reward. For negative rewards, this will actually lead to unlearning or “forgetting” whatever was just experienced, which isn’t necessarily ideal. Alternatively, we can measure the size of the learning update and using a direct reward to reinforce actions that lead to more learning. This is necessary to approach questions with sparse rewards that require exploration. In essence, it encourages the network to take a more scenic route when it can.
Memory
------
The idea of memory in our model is to keep fixed those connections that lead to the agent’s favorable behavior so that intelligent strategies are propagated forward in time. Our approach consists of a plasticity mask which modulates (in the short term) the degree with which any connection can be altered by future weight updates in the long term. To implement this in practice, we considered two approaches.
1. **All neural connections decay uniformly (“aging”):** This method involves decaying the plasticity of all connections uniformly over time. This approach seems far too coarse as it fails to adequately account for differences in favorability of connections.
2. **Plasticity decay accumulation:** This approach involves accumulating modifications to individual connections. In other words, the more a particular connection is changed, the more ’change’ is accumulated. Once this value reaches a certain threshold for a connection and its strength is significantly above mean connection strength, the connection is fixed and cannot be altered. This relies on the assumption that those connections which have been altered many times are closer to converging on an optimal fixed strength, whereas those which have not changed much still have room to change.
Theory
======
There are a number of important theoretical questions which needed to be tackled in order to implement this agent.
Discrete STDP Update Rule
-------------------------
STDP is often implemented based on a weighted sum over some rolling windows combined with some neuronal spiking frequency [@10.3389/fnins.2018.00435]. This approach is absolutely biologically realistic, and researchers have even argued that norepinephrine plays the role of determining the size of this window [@Salgado2012]. However, it’s computationally inefficient to implement across many neurons, and is only parallelizable with a high STDP update frequency, which comes with its own computational cost.
We derive a discrete, matrix-operation parallel to the standard STDP rule. Given with $n$ neurons, a prior time-window of firings $\alpha \in \{0, 1\}^{n}$ and a current time-window firings $\beta \in \{0, 1\}^{n}$, an an input connection matrix C $\in \mathbf{R}^{n x n}$ we want to output an updated connection matrix C’ $\in \mathbf{R}^{n x n}$.
We want a function with two features.
- It should strengthen connections which are predictive: if neuron $A$ fires and then neuron $B$ fires, the connection $AB$ should strengthen and $BA$ should weaken.
- It should only strengthen connections where both of the neurons fired at least once
### Predictivity
We can represent the first feature by the following rule: For first firings $\alpha$ and second firing $\beta$ as defined above, $$f(\alpha,\beta) = \beta - (1 - \alpha^T).$$
For $\alpha = (1,0)$, $$\beta=(0,1) \rightarrow f_0(\alpha,\beta) =
\begin{bmatrix}
0 & 1 \\
-1 & 0
\end{bmatrix}.$$
For $\alpha = (1,1)$, $$\beta=(0,1) \rightarrow f_0(\alpha,\beta) =
\begin{bmatrix}
0 & 1 \\
0 & 1
\end{bmatrix}.$$
For $\alpha = (0,0)$, $$\beta=(0,1) \rightarrow f_0(\alpha,\beta) =
\begin{bmatrix}
-1 & 0 \\
-1 & 0
\end{bmatrix}.$$
Since the last example is clearly not the desired result (One doesn’t want to weaken all connections that fire unprompted), we need to incorporate the second requirement.
### Co-occurrence
To do this, we calculate the pairwise matrix directly: $$f_1(\alpha,\beta) = (\beta \alpha^T) | (\alpha \beta^T).$$
For example, for $\alpha = (0,0, 1)$, $$\beta=(1,0,1) \rightarrow f_1(\alpha,\beta) =$$ $$\begin{bmatrix}
0 & -1 & 0 \\
0 & -1 & 0 \\
1 & 0 & 1 \\
\end{bmatrix} *
\begin{bmatrix}
0 & 0 & 1 \\
0 & 0 & 0 \\
1 & 0 & 1 \\
\end{bmatrix}
=
\begin{bmatrix}
0 & 0 & 0 \\
0 & 0 & 0 \\
1 & 0 & 1 \\
\end{bmatrix}$$
That is, the connection from the last neuron to the first neuron is the only one that’s strengthened.
### Update
Supposing we have a connection matrix, C, of $$\begin{bmatrix}
0 & a_b & a_c \\
b_a & 0 & b_c \\
c_a & c_b & 0 \\
\end{bmatrix},$$
an update weight of $\gamma$, and a plasticity matrix $P$ of all 1’s. The new connection matrix is $$C' = f(\alpha, \beta, C) =$$ $$C + \gamma P \begin{bmatrix}
0 & a_b & a_c \\
b_a & 0 & b_c \\
c_a & c_b & 0 \\
\end{bmatrix} * \begin{bmatrix}
0 & a_b & a_c \\
b_a & 0 & b_c \\
c_a + \gamma & c_b & 0 \\
\end{bmatrix}.$$
### Overrall
Where for the firings at to timesteps, $\alpha,\beta$, a learning rate $\gamma$, a connections matrix C, and a plasticity matrix P, the discrete STDP update rule is:
$$f_0(\alpha,\beta) = \beta - (1 - \alpha^T)$$ $$f_1(\alpha,\beta) = (\beta \alpha^T) | (\alpha \beta^T)$$ $$C' = C + \gamma P \circ f_0(\alpha, \beta) \circ f_1(\alpha, \beta)$$
Reward Neurons
--------------
Reward neurons are a surprisingly elegant way to learn rewards and modulate actions. Essentially, if one sets the reward neuron to fire with strength corresponding the reward, then an STDP update will reinforce other input connections that predict the firing of that reward, and then inputs that predict the firings of those inputs will be further strengthened.
+=\[inner sep=0pt\] (38,-11.9) circle (3); (38,-11.9) node [$r$]{}; (50.8,-11.9) circle (3); (50.8,-11.9) node [$R$]{}; (50.8,-11.9) circle (2.4); (38,-21.5) circle (3); (38,-21.5) node [$B$]{}; (38,-31.7) circle (3); (38,-31.7) node [$A$]{}; (28.3,-31.7) circle (3); (28.3,-31.7) node [$\beta_1$]{}; (48.3,-31.7) circle (3); (48.3,-31.7) node [$\beta_2$]{}; (47.8,-11.9) – (41,-11.9); (41,-11.9) – (41.8,-12.4) – (41.8,-11.4); (44.4,-12.4) node \[below\] [$=$]{}; (38,-28.7) – (38,-24.5); (38,-24.5) – (37.5,-25.3) – (38.5,-25.3); (37.5,-26.6) node \[left\] [$c_{AB}$]{}; (38,-18.5) – (38,-14.9); (38,-14.9) – (37.5,-15.7) – (38.5,-15.7); (38.5,-16.7) node \[right\] [$c_{Br}$]{}; (30.37,-29.53) – (35.93,-23.67); (35.93,-23.67) – (35.02,-23.91) – (35.74,-24.6); (46.17,-29.59) – (40.13,-23.61); (40.13,-23.61) – (40.35,-24.53) – (41.05,-23.82);
Ideally, we want B to also be able to trigger the reward neuron, so that reward can be predicted when not yet present, so the reward neuron should sum its inputs, rather than simply be set directly to R. Since $c_{Br}$ is initially weak, then this is initially $R$.
If r and B have a firing covariance $Cov(B, r)$, eventually $c_{Br}$ will converge on $Cov(B, r)$, if there are no other outputs, since $c_{Br}$ will be strengthened if the frequency of firing of B is less than the firing of $r$, and weakened otherwise. If B is an output neuron, then this implies a statistical equivalent to Rescorla-Wagner learning [@rescorla1972theory][^1]: $$V' = V + \alpha (r - V).$$ The more similar the frequencies of firing, the larger the update from an error in the opposite direction (i.e. the closer it gets to the actual covariance) and the smaller an error in the correct direction.
Note that this same relationship between also applies between A and B, so $Cov(A, B) * Cov(B, r)$ tends to $Cov(A, r)$. As a result, as the connection between $B$ and $r$ is strengthened in line with Rescorla-Wagner, the same thing happens to the connection from $A$ to $B$. Propagating R-W value backwards in time by considering the covariance of states in this way is known as Temporal Difference learning: $$V'(s) = V(s)+\alpha (r+\gamma V(s')-V(s)).$$
Novelty
-------
Novelty as a reward has been shown for decades in primates to be a valid reward stimulus[@Martinez-Rubio1942]. Hence, we aimed to model novelty as reward in environments in which a clear, continuous reward signal is not present.
As defined earlier, $f(\alpha, \beta)$ is the STDP update matrix of firings $\alpha$ and $\beta$. (In practice, these correspond to the last firings and the second-to-last firings.) $C$ is our last connection matrix, $P$ is our plasticity matrix, $N$ is our novelty, and $n$ is the size (i.e. number of elements) of $C$. Thus, we have $$N = \overline{M},$$ where $$\overline{M} = \frac{1}{n} \sum_{i=1}^n |f(\alpha, \beta) * C * P|.$$ In other words, we are taking the mean over the magnitude of change between firing updates.
An alternative measure of novelty would be performing this same operation using video frames rather than firing patterns (i.e. $M = |\alpha - \beta|$, where $\alpha$ and $\beta$ are the last and second-to-last video frames). This measure of novelty was used in testing on the Dino game environment, described below.
Experimental Results
====================
Pattern Recognition and Differentiation
---------------------------------------
As an initial experiment, STDP was applied to neurons at each timestep which had, as input, a video stream. The neural network had no modulation of learning, and were essentially driven to build correlations between the data presented, both spatially and temporally. In this way, the network learned to differentiate between patterns observed in the video stream. To evaluate the model’s effectiveness, a hand was shown to the neurons in different stages (e.g. in a fist or open palm, as shown in Figure \[fig:handpics\]) in different locations on the screen.
![ \[fig:handpics\] Example visual stimuli shown to the network through a camera video stream. These were two differentiable stages in one particular experiment, composed of a closed fist and an open palm. Notice that the agent has no issue differentiating between the two stimuli, despite both the hand and the background being arbitrarily positioned.](fistpic.jpg "fig:"){width="0.4\columnwidth"} ![ \[fig:handpics\] Example visual stimuli shown to the network through a camera video stream. These were two differentiable stages in one particular experiment, composed of a closed fist and an open palm. Notice that the agent has no issue differentiating between the two stimuli, despite both the hand and the background being arbitrarily positioned.](palmpic.jpg "fig:"){width="0.4\columnwidth"}
The stages alternated at varying times and the neurons were recorded to keep track the maximal difference between any neuron’s tendency to fire in the first and second stages. For a control, this process was run again where nothing was changed between stages. The neuron with the most variance between stages is chosen as the output neuron. Then, the ratio of the differences in activation of this neuron in the control and trained cases is shown in Figure \[fig:handgraph\].
This network was also shown YouTube for several hours, and then we visualized visual stimuli for the neurons that were most sensitive. Specifically, the neurons were activated by a large number[^2] of samples of random noise, and the sample that activated them most was selected, and then averaged again with many samples of random noise, with this process repeated several times. This whole process was repeated several times and the images which were stimulating or inhibitory were averaged together. We present these results in Figure \[fig:pixels\].
XOR
---
The XOR gate problem has historically been known to be notoriously difficult to learn due to its nonlinear structure.[^3] The problem involves returning true only when one of two bits have fired, and false otherwise.
We demonstrated that the architecture is able to achieve an accuracy on the task of approximately $85\%$[^4], indicating that it was reliably solving the task with only a reward signal of $+1$ for a correct answer and $0$ otherwise. The connection strength matrix is shown in Figure \[fig:xor\].
![ \[fig:xor\] The directed connection strengths of each of 40 neurons to each other in XOR, of which there are two input neurons and one output neuron. Yellow indicates fixed connections (i.e. those which have been rendered non-plastic by long-term memory).](xor_connections.png){width="0.8\columnwidth" height="0.5\columnwidth"}
Chrome Dino Game
----------------
For the behavioral learning portion, we extended our visual input stream to a screen-captured screen of the dinosaur game that Chrome displays when it is offline[^5], and modulated the amount of learning that occurred as a function of whether or not the screen was changing. While the ultimate goal is to find an intrinsic reward function that allows the modulation to learn to play arbitrary games well while seeking novelty, this lets us test whether this approach to behavior optimization is capable of solving reinforcement learning tasks. We show what the neuron architecture sees in Figure \[fig:neuron\].
![ \[fig:neuron\] A pixel-by-pixel representation of a randomly selected neurons’ dependencies on the visual inputs. Darker colors reduce its likelihood of firing, while brighter colors increase the likelihood. Here, we did not find a compelling pattern to explain the neuron’s sensitivity.](neuron.png){width="0.6\columnwidth" height="0.5\columnwidth"}
Because the discretized STDP update rule for this neural net is simpler (both computationally and mathematically) than the traditional window-based approach [@Kempter1998SpikeBasedCT], it wasn’t immediately clear that this would have any success at all. On the dinosaur task, the best achieved performance was a score of 168. In comparison, the average score of an agent performing at chance (i.e. continuously holding down the jump key) was 57, with a maximum score of 100[^6]. Here is a recording of a typical run: <https://giant.gfycat.com/EmotionalSecondhandHagfish.webm>.
The confusion matrix that results from ten thousand learning steps is shown in Figure \[fig:confusion\]. The neural configuration corresponds to a 10x10 pixel grayscale input, 50 randomly firing neurons, 600 “hidden” neurons, and 50 output neurons. Notably, the number of connections made by each input neuron suggest that the localization of the initial connections is failing.
Mountain Car
------------
Here, we test our model on a classic reinforcement learning problem available in OpenAI Gym. This particular environment has a discrete action space: go left, stay still, go right. We use the observations returned by the environment as input into our neuron architecture, and we use a measure of novelty to be the reward signal that updates our model. The proportion of neurons that are firing determines the action and are discretized to fit the discrete action space.
The results of the experiment indicate that the agent is able to learn to quickly reach the goal state using a measure of novelty as an instantaneous reward. We present the results of the experiment in Figure \[fig:discrete\].
![ \[fig:discrete\] *Discrete Mountain Car Results.* The y-axis represents the number of steps the agent needed to reach the goal. There is a limit set at 1000 steps before the episode automatically terminates. The x-axis represents the number of episodes for which the agent has been learning.](cartdis.png){width="1.1\columnwidth"}
We can see that the agent is unable to complete the objective at the beginning and is able to quickly learn the correct back-and-forth movement to reach the goal. The performance is stochastic, but the overall trend of improvement is clear. After around 75 episodes, the agent is able to reach the goal in 200 steps relatively consistently. This is not considered a successful solve of the environment, but our agent is not using the reward of the environment to learn, so this may be the agent’s best performance with the novelty metric.
Mountain Car Continuous
-----------------------
Here, we adapt our model to a similar reinforcement learning problem available in OpenAI Gym, the continuous action space version of Mountain Car. This particular environment accepts any float value as the action with negative corresponding to left and positive corresponding to right (and magnitude corresponding to the impulse level). Again, we use the observations returned by the environment as input into our neuron architecture, and we use a measure of novelty to be the reward signal that updates our model. The proportion of neurons that are firing determines the action and are linearly scaled to fit the continuous action space. We present the results of the experiment in Figure \[fig:continuous\].
We can see that the agent is unable to complete the objective at the beginning and is able to gradually learn the correct back-and-forth movement to reach the goal. At around 300 episodes, the agent is able to reach the goal in 100 steps or less, which is considered a successful solve of this environment.
![ \[fig:continuous\] *Continuous Mountain Car Results*. The y-axis represents the number of steps the agent needed to reach the goal. There is a limit set at 1000 steps before the episode automatically terminates. The x-axis represents the number of episodes the agent has been learning for.](carcont_longterm.png){width="1.1\columnwidth"}
Pendulum
--------
The OpenAI Gym Inverted Pendulum environment is a classic reinforcement learning problem, though a notoriously difficult one to solve. The input was the observation of angle and angular velocity of the pendulum, and the reward here was the continuous reward returned by the environment.
The performance is stochastic, but the general trend of improvement is clear. Over time, the agent learns to improve its average reward per step. The best reward at a step is 0, and the worst reward is around -16. Each episode runs for 1000 time steps. We present the results in Figure \[fig:pendulum\].
![ \[fig:pendulum\] *Pendulum Results.* The y-axis represents the average reward per step for an episode. The x-axis represents the number of episodes for which the agent has been learning. There is a limit set at 1000 steps before the episode automatically terminates.](pendulum_reward.png){width="\columnwidth"}
Conclusion
==========
We experimented with neuroscientific algorithms to approach a variety of problems including pattern differentiation, Chrome Dino, XOR, and several classic reinforcement learning problems, including Mountain Car (continuous and discrete) and Pendulum. Our approach implemented spike-timing dependent plasticity, the formation of long and short-term memory, and an intrinsic curiosity-driven reward signal. Our project successfully created a generalizable agent that is capable of learning to solve problems with or without being given an explicit reward signal. Overall, we demonstrate a unique, neuro-inspired approach to reinforcement learning.
Future work would include developing a mode of learning with lower variance and less stochasticity so that performance is more consistent. Ideally, performance improvement would be relatively monotonic with slight fluctuations due to exploration. We also aim to extend our model to a wider range of reinforcement learning problems, especially an environment like MuJoCo where our novelty metric could be more useful to the agent. We also aim to implement more biologically-inspired mechanisms in our algorithm to more closely approximate the brain.
[^1]: Where V is the current value of a state, $\alpha$ is the learning rate
[^2]: Typically, $n=1000$
[^3]: In what was known as the XOR affair, Marvin Minsky famously mathematically proved that a single-layer perceptron was incapable of solving the XOR gate. This was among many reasons for the AI winter of the 1970s.
[^4]: $\sigma^2 = 0.00676$, $n = 15$
[^5]: Which can be accessed by going to <chrome://dino> in the Google Chrome browser
[^6]: $n=20$
| |
Stroke is a chronic disease induced by cerebral haemorrhage or infarction. Approximately two thirds of post-stroke patients have severe deficits in upper-limb movements, which affect their performance in activities of daily living. Results of clinical studies suggest that motor rehabilitation is able to encourage neural plasticity and in turn, yields fast possible functional recovery. Compared with traditional manual rehabilitation, robot-assisted rehabilitation is believed to be more promising, due to the fact that robotic devices can provide high-intensity and subject-adaptive training, as well as evaluate motor function of post-stroke patients. This paper focuses on the control strategies and motor function assessment for robot-assisted upper-limb stroke rehabilitation, aiming to solve the problems in the robot-assisted rehabilitation training. The main contributions and innovations of this research are as follows:
(1) To perform the dynamic analysis of rehabilitation robots for passive training, the dynamics modeling and identification method are proposed for a novel upper-limb rehabilitation robot called CASIA-ARM II. To start with, the Lagrange-based dynamics modeling method is applied to obtain the dynamic equations of the parallel robot. Then the robot dynamic model is rearranged into a linear form with respect to the unknown dynamic parameters, and a genetic algorithm-based method is developed for parameter identification, which adopts the adaptive mutation rate and elite preservation policy to ensure algorithm evolve towards the optimal direction. For accurate identification, smooth joint velocities and accelerations are computed by Kalman filter, and a non-linear friction model is used to quantify the characteristics of frictions. Based on the estimated dynamic model, a model-based PD computed-torque controller is designed for passive training. Experimental results demonstrated that the actual trajectories and desired trajectories almost overlapped each other, which validates the effectiveness of the proposed the dynamics modeling and control method.
(2) To investigate the trajectory planning of rehabilitation robots for active training, two types of trajectory generation algorithms are proposed by integrating the motion intention of the patient and motion restrictions existing in healthy humans. For end-effector based upper-limb rehabilitation robot, interaction experiments of human-dominant mode and robot-dominant mode are designed to investigate the invariant law when humans physically interact with robots. Experimental results demonstrated that the minimum-jerk principle is a human preferred pattern in motor control for goal-directed reaching movements. The human arm impedance parameters are identified to reflect the movement intention, and then the optimal reference trajectory can be generated by integrating the upper-limb stiffness and minimum-jerk model. For exoskeleton-type upper-limb rehabilitation robot, experiments are designed to explore the redundancy resolution adopted by healthy humans. Experimental results demonstrated that the swivel angle can be approximated to the mean value in resolving the arm redundancy problem. By integrating with the minimum-jerk trajectory of end-effector, the optimal reference trajectories of shoulder and elbow joints were generated.
(3) To customize the assistance level of rehabilitation robots for active training, a subject-adaptive control framework is proposed using an adaptive frequency oscillator and radial basis function networks. The adaptive frequency Hopf oscillator acts as a sensorless estimator keeping the state variable in phase with respect to the external input to estimate the desired movement rhythm of post-stroke patients. By integrating the extracted movement phase and the minimum-jerk principle, the reference trajectory can be updated in real-time according to the patient's active effort. Then the Gaussian radial basis networks are included in the control framework so that it can compliantly assist patients by simultaneously learning a model of the patient's motor abilities contributing to task execution. A series of simulation and experimental results showed that the difficulty level of reference trajectories was modulated to meet the requirements of subjects' intended motion, furthermore, the robotic assistance was compliantly optimized in response to the changing performance of subjects' motor abilities, highlighting the potential of adopting the framework into clinical application to promote patient-led motor learning.
(4) To objectively quantify the upper-limb motor impairments in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis, a novel assessment approach is proposed based on motor synergy quantification and multi-modality fusion. Fifteen post-stroke hemiparetic patients and fifteen age-matched healthy persons participated in this study. During different goal-directed tasks, kinematic data and surface electromyography (sEMG) signals were synchronously collected from these participants. Motor features are separately extracted from three-dimensional trajectory and muscle activity to form the input vectors of local single-modality classifiers. In addition, kinematic synergies and muscle synergies are quantified to provide in-depth analysis of the coactivated features responsible for observable movement impairments. Based on the local output and motor synergy analysis, the ensemble classifier can be created for each modality to generate quantitative assessment of upper-limb motor impairments. Furthermore, the complementarity between the evaluation outcomes from different modalities is exploited by a multi-modal fusion scheme to provide more comprehensive assessment of upper extremity functional status. Experimental results demonstrated that the pathological movement patterns in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis can be reliably identified and the assessment result is well correlated with the score of traditional Fugl-Meyer clinical tests.
|Keyword||脑卒中康复，上肢康复机器人，训练轨迹规划，按需辅助控制，运动功能评价|
|Language||中文|
|Sub direction classification||智能机器人|
|Document Type||学位论文|
|Identifier||http://ir.ia.ac.cn/handle/173211/44882|
|Collection||复杂系统管理与控制国家重点实验室_先进机器人|
|Recommended Citation|
GB/T 7714
|王晨. 上肢康复机器人控制策略及运动功能评价方法研究[D]. 中国科学院自动化研究所. 中国科学院大学,2021.|
|Files in This Item:|
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|博士学位论文-王晨.pdf（20679KB）||学位论文||开放获取||CC BY-NC-SA|
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Today we’d like to introduce you to Oghalé Alex.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
My name is Oghalé and I’m a photographer based in Phoenix, Arizona. I got into photography through making videos. Through making videos, I realized that I loved the frame of a 35mm lens and how all you could see in a photograph was within those 4 walls of the camera. Within those walls I could tell a story, display emotions, and inspire others. I don’t know what made me pick up a camera in the first place but all I can say is that it feels right. I feel like what makes a good photographer is not the gear and camera that he or she possesses but rather the ability to see something unique even in ordinary situations and locations. Whats great in that is that every photographer “sees” differently and I’m thankful for the vision that I have been blessed with.
Please tell us about your art.
At this moment I primarily shoot fashion, editorial, and architecturally creative photography. I also shoot portraits of course. I love for my photography to be simple yet express a lot. I would love for people to look at my work and be whisked away into another place, into another set of emotions or moods. I would love for my photography to not only be pleasing to the eyes but also bring about pleasant thoughts and imaginations. I hope that my work inspired others to go out and chase their dreams. I honestly believe that each one of us has so many gifts. Not all gifts come in the shape of sports, music, or acting. Some people are very good grass cutters, some are very good empathizers and have great “people” skills, some are great painters. We all have here different gifts and abilities and I hope to inspire others to chase their passions.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I feel like I’ve never been a very strong expresser of my political and social views but I do love the idea of showing people through my work what it’s like to be me, what it’s like to see though my eyes, feel through my touch, and experience through my photographs. I feel that art can never be defined. I think that’s what gives it its power. Art can be whatever you want it to be and as such it can serve as entertainment but it can also transcend entertainment and cross into the realm of social change and a means to make a difference in the world.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Most of my work is available on my personal photography Instagram account. Instagram has become a modern-day portfolio for many creatives and that is how I used my account. I am also currently working on a website where any one will be able to easily view my work, stay updated on my movements, and connect with me.
Contact Info:
- Website: coming soon…
- Phone: 6236068093
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/oghalealex
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/oghalealex
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/oghalealex
Image Credit:
Photos taken by Oghalé Alex
Models used: Jay Moise, Fauve Shapri, Umberto Lukama
Getting in touch: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here. | http://voyagephoenix.com/interview/meet-oghale-alex/ |
This guide initially displays all common mammals. Use the selectors below to view mammals of a particular shape, include rare mammals, or search for them by name.
Mammals are defined as warm-blooded vertebrates with hair or fur and sweat glands — in the females mammary glands, modified sweat glands, produce milk to nourish the young. Most mammals develop a placenta which enables the feeding of the fetus during gestation and give birth to live young. In addition, although most mammals walk on land, many have specific adaptations that allow them to swim, fly, leap between tree branches or even dig extensive tunnels. Many wild mammals are used for both food and fur. while other have been domesticated for their agricultural and scientific importance.
New Mexico ranks high for mammalian diversity in the states in the US and the Pajarito Plateau is home to many of these species. This guide describes all of the larger wildlife found in the area as well as the more common smaller animals with the most abundant being rodents. Local species range from carnivores like the mountain lion and bobcat to ruminants like elk and deer to to several varieties of bats.
Mammal References
Biota Information System of New Mexico
Bogen et al. 1998 Continued Studies of Bat Species of Concern in the Jemez Mountains, New Mexico [PDF]
eNature
Frey et al. 2006 Checklist of New Mexico Mammals [PDF]
New Mexico Tech Mammalian Field Guide
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History North American Mammals
Threatened, Endangered and Sensitive Species Profile – Los Alamos Laboratory Lands [PDF]
Tyrell and Brack 1992 Survey for Bats in the Los Alamos National Environmental Research Park
Subject Area Experts (all guides)
Steve Cary (butterflies)
Beth Cortright (insects)
Terry Foxx (invasive plants)
Leslie Hansen (mammals)
Richard Hansen (fish, mammals)
Dorothy Hoard (butterflies, trees)
Chick Keller (flowers, herbarium)
Shari Kelley (geology)
Kirt Kempter (geology)
Garth Tietjen (reptiles)
David Yeamans (birds)
Web Development and Content Management
Pat Bacha
Jennifer Macke
Graham Mark
Akkana Peck
Contact
Please contact us for local nature questions and sightings. We welcome comments, corrections, and additions to our guides.
For more information about local nature, please visit our Nature Blog or subscribe to PEEC This Week.
Make selection
Photo: Jerry Oldenettel
American Badger(Taxidea taxus)
Family: Mustelidae (Weasels, Badgers, and Otters)
Size: 20 - 34 in (51 - 86 cm)
Status: native; uncommon
Habitat: open plains, farmland, brushlands
The American Badger is a rarely-seen mammal that is primarily nocturnal. It lives underground in a burrow that may be very extensive. It catches much of its food by using its strong legs to dig up small ground-dwelling rodents. However, it will also eat amphibians, insects, birds and worms. It is short and shaggy with a jaw that is formed in such a way that it cannot be dislocated allowing it to maintain a hold on struggling prey. | https://peecnature.org/learn/nature-guides/mammal-guide/?search=american+badger |
“Haunted by the Past: Effects of Poor Change Management History on Employee Attitudes and Turnovers“, by Prashant Bordia, Simon Lloyd D. Restubog, both of the Australian National University, Canberra, Nerina L. Jimmieson of the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Australia, and Bernd E. Irmer of Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia, was recently published in Group and Organizational Management OnlineFirst. Professor Bordia has provided additional information on the article:
Who is the target audience for this article?
This article will appeal to researchers as well as practitioners interested in organizational change and its consequences for employee attitudes and retention.
What inspired you to be interested in this topic?
I have often heard people complain about how bad their organization is at managing change. My co-authors and I wanted to understand the effects of these negative experiences of change on how employees feel about the organization in general, about change in particular and whether these negative experiences result in exit from the organization.
Were there findings that were surprising to you?
I was really surprised by the strong effects of poor change management history (PCMH). PCHM beliefs predicted employee turnover up to two years later and this effect was even stronger than the effect of turnover intentions!
How do you see this study influencing future research and/or
practice?
Research: My co-authors and I really enjoyed incorporating the context of change history into the theoretical model, collecting data on it and relating it with employee attitudes and behavior. I hope future research on change management links employee attitudes with actual events in the organization.
Practice: Change agents and leaders are often encouraged to have a vision for the future, but we hope they are also mindful of the past. If there is a history of poor change management, they cannot just assume that employees will forget about the past. The leaders will have to work at changing employee beliefs about change management in their organization, before they can expect the employees to accept future change.
How does this study fit into your body of work/line of research?
This study fits into my long-term interest in how employees cope with changing work environments (for example, I have previously looked at the management of uncertainty and rumors during organizational change).
How did your paper change during the review process?
The paper got considerably sharpened by the reviewers’ and the editor’s comments. They also made us think more about and clarify the papers contributions to theory and practice.
What, if anything, would you do differently if you could go back and do this study again?
In hindsight, we have a rather blunt measure of whether an employee was exposed to poor change management history (either the employee did, coded as 1 or did not, coded as 0). If we could do this study again, I would like to obtain a more fine-grained measure, perhaps on a 7-point scale. | https://www.socialsciencespace.com/2011/03/change-management/ |
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a U.S. continuation application of International Application No. PCT/CN 2018/081918, entitled “METHOD FOR DETERMINING CHANNEL RESOURCES, DEVICE, AND COMPUTER STORAGE MEDIUM”, filed on Apr. 4, 2018, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
In a 5th Generation (5G) New Radio (NR) system, a base station, for example, a 5G base station (gNB), may configure multiple available Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource sets for a terminal through high-layer signaling, and each PUCCH resource set includes multiple PUCCH resources. The terminal determines the PUCCH resource set for feedback transmission according to the number of bits of feedback information. However, it is impossible for the base station to accurately learn about the PUCCH resource set for feedback transmission of the terminal, resulting in the circumstance of different comprehension between the base station and the terminal. This is a problem that needs to be solved at present.
SUMMARY
The embodiments of the disclosure are intended to provide an apparatus in wireless communication and a method for determining a channel resource.
According to a first aspect, the embodiments of the disclosure provide an apparatus in wireless communication, configured to: determine a target Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource set in accordance with a total number of Uplink Control Information (UCI) bit for uplink transmission; and obtain a target PUCCH resource from the target PUCCH resource set. The total number of the UCI bit includes: a total number of a first part of information bit and a maximum value in a value range, with multiple values, of a number of a second part of information bit. A UCI corresponding to the total number of the UCI bit includes: a first part of information and a second part of information.
According to a second aspect, the embodiments of the disclosure provide a method for determining a channel resource, which includes the following operations. A target Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) resource set is determined in accordance with a total number of Uplink Control Information (UCI) bit for uplink transmission. A target PUCCH resource is obtained from the target PUCCH resource set. The total number of the UCI bit includes: a total number of a first part of information bit and a maximum value in a value range, with multiple values, of a number of a second part of information bit. A UCI corresponding to the total number of the UCI bit includes: a first part of information and a second part of information.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a schematic diagram of an exemplary network environment according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 2
is a flowchart of a method for determining a channel resource according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 3
is a flowchart of another method for determining a channel resource according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 4
is a schematic structural diagram of UE according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 5
is a schematic diagram showing a specific hardware structure of UE according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 6
is a schematic structural diagram of a network device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 7
is a schematic diagram showing a specific hardware structure of a network device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
First Embodiment
Second Embodiment
Third Embodiment
Fourth Embodiment
For making the characteristics and technical contents of the embodiments of the disclosure understood in more detail, implementation of the embodiments of the disclosure will be described below in combination with the drawings in detail. The drawings are only adopted for description as references and not intended to limit the embodiments of the disclosure.
FIG. 1
100
100
104
108
108
108
108
104
Referring to , a network environment applied to each embodiment of the application is shown. The network environment includes UE wirelessly coupled to a Radio Access Network (RAN) . Specifically, the RAN may be a base station , for example, an Evolved Node B (eNB) or a 5G base station gNB. The base station is configured to communicate with the UE through an Over The Air (OTA) interface.
FIG. 1
104
In , the UE may also be called a terminal device, an access terminal, a user unit, a user station, a mobile radio station, a mobile station, a remote station, a remote terminal, a mobile device, a user terminal, a terminal, an apparatus in wireless communication, a user agent or a user device. The terminal device may be a Station (ST) in a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), and may be a cell phone, a cordless phone, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phone, a Wireless Local Loop (WLL) station, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a handheld device with a wireless communication function, a computing device, another processing device connected to a wireless modem, a vehicle-mounted device, a wearable device, or a terminal device in a next-generation communication system, for example, a terminal device in a 5G network, a terminal device in a future evolved Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) or the like. In the embodiment of the disclosure, the terminal device may also be a wearable device. The wearable device may also be called a wearable intelligent device and is a generic term for wearable devices obtained by performing intelligentization designing and development on daily wearing products, for example, glasses, gloves, watches, clothes and shoes.
100
FIG. 1
For the network environment shown in , it is to be noted that downlink physical channels include a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for carrying Downlink Control Information (DCI) and, similarly, uplink physical channels also include a PUCCH for carrying Uplink Control Information (UCI). For the UCI, all contents therein are information related to a current state of UE. Therefore, the UE is required to feed back the UCI to the base station through the PUCCH when the base station cannot obtain such information.
108
2
2
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3
3
3
4
4
In a feedback process, the base station may configure S candidate PUCCH resource sets for the terminal through high-layer signaling, S being not greater than 4. Each PUCCH resource set includes multiple PUCCH resources. For example, S=4. In such case, in the embodiment of the disclosure, the four candidate PUCCH resource sets are sequentially numbered, i.e., a PUCCH resource set 1, a PUCCH resource set 2, a PUCCH resource set 3 and a PUCCH resource set 4 respectively. For the four PUCCH resource sets, a bit length of UCI that can be carried by each candidate PUCCH resource set increases with the increase of the number. Generally speaking, the bit length of the UCI that can be carried by the PUCCH resource set 1 is not greater than 2, the bit length of the UCI that can be carried by the PUCCH resource set 2 is greater than 2 but less than N, a value of Nbeing configured through the high-layer signaling, the bit length of the UCI that can be carried by the PUCCH resource set 3 is more than or equal to Nbut less than N, a value of Nbeing configured through the high-layer signaling, and the bit length of the UCI that can be carried by the PUCCH resource set 4 is more than or equal to Nbut less than N, a value of Nbeing configured through the high-layer signaling or predetermined in a protocol.
104
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The UE , after obtaining the S candidate PUCCH resource sets based on a signaling configuration from the base station , may determine the PUCCH resource set for sending the UCI according to a bit length of the UCI to be fed back and the bit length of the UCI that can be carried by each candidate PUCCH resource set.
The UCI may usually include an uplink Scheduling Request (SR), a Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) Acknowledgment (ACK)/Negative Acknowledgment (NACK) and Channel State Information (CSI). For the CSI, the CSI in a present NR system consists of two parts, the part 1 CSI including a channel Rank Indication (RI), a CSI Reference Signal Resource Indicator (CRI) and a Channel Quality Indicator (CQI) of a first codeword, and the part 2 CSI including a Precoding Matrix Indicator (PMI) and a CQI of a second codeword. For the part 2, the CQI of the second codeword is related to a value of the RI and the CQI of the second codeword exists only when the RI is greater than 4. Therefore, a bit length of the part 2 is required to be determined according to the value of the RI in the part 1. Based on this, the base station, before receiving the UCI, may not accurately learn about the bit length of the part 2 CSI. Consequently, when the UE sends the UCI, the base station may not learn about the PUCCH resource set determined by the UE to send the UCI, resulting in the circumstance of different comprehension between the base station and the UE due to different comprehension of the base station and the UE to the PUCCH resource set.
For this circumstance, the application proposes the following embodiments.
FIG. 2
Referring to , a method for determining a channel resource provided in the embodiment of the disclosure is shown. The method may be applied to UE. The method may include the following operations.
201
In S, feedback information that will be transmitted in a target channel is determined.
The feedback information includes a first part of information and a second part of information, a bit length of the first part of information is invariable, and a bit length of the second part of information is variable.
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In S, a target channel resource set from at least one candidate channel resource set is determined according to a first bit length and/or a second bit length.
The first bit length is the bit length of the first part of information, and the second bit length is a bit length value within a value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
203
In S, a third part of information is transmitted in the target channel in the target channel resource set, the third part of information being a subset or complete set of the feedback information.
FIG. 2
According to the technical solution shown in , it is elaborated a process in which the UE determines the target channel resource set in the configured candidate channel resource sets and then transmits the subset or complete set of the feedback information in the target channel in the target channel resource set. A base station may determine the target channel resource set used by the UE to transmit the subset or complete set of the feedback information according to the abovementioned process and determine a target channel based on the target channel resource set to receive the subset or complete set of the feedback information from the UE. Therefore, the circumstance of different comprehension of the base station and the UE to the channel resource set is avoided.
In the embodiment of the disclosure, the channel resource set may preferably be a PUCCH resource set and may also preferably be another channel resource set capable of transmitting UCI, for example, a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) resource set. There are no specific limits made thereto in the embodiment. However, for clearly elaborating the technical solution of the embodiment of the disclosure, the PUCCH channel resource set is taken as an example for description in the embodiment of the disclosure. It can be understood that the technical solution of the embodiment of the disclosure may also be applied to the PUSCH resource set and elaborations are omitted herein.
FIG. 2
For the technical solution shown in , the feedback information includes UCI and a check code of the UCI. Specifically, the check code of the UCI may be a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) code of the UCI. It can be understood that any other check code that can be used for error check of the UCI may be applied to the embodiment of the disclosure and elaborations are omitted herein. The UCI includes a first UCI and a second UCI, the first part of information includes the first UCI and the check code of the UCI, and the second part of information includes the second UCI. The first UCI may include at least one of: an ACK/NACK, an SR or a part 1 CSI. It can be understood that, in a specific implementation process, information in the part 1 CSI may refer to the abovementioned first part of the CSI and elaborations are omitted herein.
Correspondingly, the second UCI may be a part 2 CSI. Information in the part 2 CSI may specifically refer to the abovementioned second part of the CSI and elaborations are also omitted herein.
Based on the above description about the part 1 CSI and the part 2 CSI, it may be known that: the bit length of the first part of information is invariable, so the first bit length is the bit length of the first part of information; and the bit length of the second part of information is variable, so the second bit length is a bit length value within the value range of the bit length of the second part of information in the embodiment of the disclosure.
FIG. 2
For the technical solution shown in , in a possible implementation, the operation that the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined according to the first bit length and/or the second bit length includes the following operations.
The target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined based on the first bit length.
Alternatively, the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined based on a sum of the first bit length and the second bit length.
For the implementation, the operation that the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined based on the sum of the first bit length and the second bit length includes the following operations.
The target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined based on the first bit length and a maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
The target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined based on the first bit length and a minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
For example, the base station configures the abovementioned candidate PUCCH resource sets for the UE. The first bit length is compared with a bit length range of the UCI that can be carried by each candidate PUCCH resource set, and the candidate PUCCH resource set corresponding to the bit length range where the first bit length is located is determined as the target channel resource set.
In addition, the sum of the first bit length and the maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information may be compared with the bit length range of the UCI that can be carried by each candidate PUCCH resource set, and the candidate PUCCH resource set corresponding to the bit length range where the sum of the first bit length and the maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is located is determined as the target channel resource set.
Alternatively, the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is compared with the bit length range of the UCI that can be carried by each candidate PUCCH resource set, and the candidate PUCCH resource set corresponding to the bit length range where the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is located is determined as the target channel resource set.
FIG. 2
For the technical solution shown in , in a possible implementation, the operation that the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined according to the first bit length and/or the second bit length includes the following operations.
If a sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to an upper limit of a bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, the set capable of carrying a largest bit length in the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined as the target channel resource set.
Alternatively, if the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is less than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined based on the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
Specifically, for the implementation, as described above, the base station configures candidate PUCCH resource sets for the UE through the high-layer signaling, it may be seen that the base station may configure the PUCCH resource set 1, the PUCCH resource set 2, the PUCCH resource set 3 and the PUCCH resource set 4 for the UE in order according to the bit length of the UCI that it can carry. It can be seen that the last PUCCH resource set configured for the UE by the base station may be considered as a PUCCH resource set capable of carrying the largest bit length in the candidate PUCCH resource sets. Moreover, the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the candidate channel resource set is a maximum value of the bit length that can be carried by the PUCCH resource set capable of carrying the largest bit length in the candidate PUCCH resource sets. Therefore, if the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, it is indicated that the feedback information of the UE may only be transmitted through the set capable of carrying the largest bit length in the candidate PUCCH resource sets. If the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is less than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, it is indicated that the feedback information of the UE may not necessarily be transmitted through the set capable of carrying the largest bit length in the candidate PUCCH resource sets. Therefore, the candidate PUCCH resource set corresponding to the bit length range where the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is located may be determined as the target channel resource set according to the specific description about the abovementioned implementation.
FIG. 2
For the technical solution shown in , in a possible implementation, the operation that the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined according to the first bit length and/or the second bit length includes the following operation.
If a sum of the first bit length and the maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is less than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined based on the sum of the first bit length and the maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
For the implementation, specifically, the sum of the first bit length and the maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information may be considered as a maximum value of a bit length of the feedback information. If the maximum value of the bit length of the feedback information is less than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, it is indicated that the feedback information of the UE may not necessarily be transmitted through the set capable of carrying the largest bit length in the candidate PUCCH resource sets. Therefore, the candidate PUCCH resource set corresponding to the bit length range where the sum of the first bit length and the maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is located may be determined as the target channel resource set according to the specific description about the abovementioned implementation.
FIG. 2
For the technical solution shown in , in a possible implementation, the operation that the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined according to the first bit length and/or the second bit length includes the following operation.
If the sum of the first bit length and the maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is less than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined based on the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
For the implementation, specifically, the sum of the first bit length and the maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information may be considered as a maximum possible value of the bit length of the feedback information, and the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information may be considered as a minimum possible value of the bit length of the feedback information. When the maximum possible value of the bit length of the feedback information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the minimum possible value of the bit length of the feedback information is less than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, the target channel resource set may be determined according to the minimum possible value of the bit length of the feedback information, that is, the candidate PUCCH resource set corresponding to the bit length range where the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is located is determined as the target channel resource set.
FIG. 2
For the technical solution shown in , in a possible implementation, the operation that the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined according to the first bit length and/or the second bit length includes the following operation.
If the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the first bit length is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, the set capable of carrying the largest bit length in the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined as the target channel resource set.
For the implementation mode, specifically, the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information may be considered as the minimum possible value of the bit length of the feedback information. If the minimum possible value of the bit length of the feedback information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the invariable first bit length is also more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, it is indicated that the feedback information of the UE may only be transmitted through the set capable of carrying the largest bit length in the candidate PUCCH resource sets.
FIG. 2
For the technical solution shown in , in a possible implementation, the operation that the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined according to the first bit length and/or the second bit length includes the following operation.
If the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the first bit length is less than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined based on the first bit length.
For the implementation, specifically, the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information may be considered as the minimum possible value of the bit length of the feedback information. If the minimum possible value of the bit length of the feedback information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, the candidate PUCCH resource set corresponding to the bit length range where the first bit length is located may be determined as the target channel resource set.
FIG. 2
For the technical solution shown in , in a possible implementation, the operation that the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined according to the first bit length and/or the second bit length includes the following operations.
If the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the first bit length is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined based on a bit length of part of information in the first UCI, the part of information in the first UCI including the ACK/NACK and/or the SR.
Alternatively, if the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the first bit length is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, the set capable of carrying the largest bit length in the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined as the target channel resource set.
For the implementation, specifically, the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information may be considered as the minimum possible value of the bit length of the feedback information. If the minimum possible value of the bit length of the feedback information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, the target PUCCH resource set may be determined according to a relationship between the first bit length and the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set.
For example, if the first bit length is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, the candidate PUCCH resource set corresponding to the bit length range where the bit length of the part of information in the first UCI is located is determined as the target channel resource set. In such case, the part of information in the first UCI includes the ACK/NACK and/or the SR. The set capable of carrying the largest bit length in the at least one candidate channel resource set may also be determined as the target channel resource set.
A/N/SR
part1
A/N/SR
part1
part2,max
part2,min
x,max
It is to be noted that, in a specific implementation process, the operation that the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined according to the first bit length and/or the second bit length may be implemented according to the following cases. In the following cases, it is set that the first bit length is N+N, Nbeing a bit length of the ACK/NACK/SR (if existing), i.e., the bit length of the part of information in the first UCI in the foregoing implementation, and Nbeing a bit length of the part 1 CSI. It is set that the maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is N. It is set that the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is Nand it is set that the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set is N. The cases are specifically as follows.
Case 1
A/N/SR
part1
part2,max
The UE determines the target channel resource set based on N+N+N.
Case 2
A/N/SR
part1
part2,min
The UE determines the target channel resource set based on N+N+N.
Case 3
A/N/SR
part1
The UE determines the target channel resource set based on N+N.
Case 4
A/N/SR
part1
part2,min
x,max
The UE compares N+N+Nand N.
A/N/SR
part1
part2,min
x,max
A/N/SR
part1
If N+N+Nis more than or equal to N, the target channel resource set is determined based on N+N.
A/N/SR
part1
part2,min
Otherwise the target channel resource set is determined based on N+N+N.
Case 5
A/N/SR
part1
part2,max
x,max
The UE compares N+N+Nand N.
A/N/SR
par
part2,max
x,max
A/N/SR
part1
part2,max
If N+N+Nis less than or equal to N, the target channel resource set is determined based on N+N+N.
A/N/SR
part1
part2,min
x,max
Otherwise N+N+Nis compared with N.
A/N/SR
part1
part2,min
x,max
A/N/SR
part1
part2,min
If N+N+Nis less than or equal to N, the target channel resource set is determined based on N+N+N.
Otherwise the target channel resource set may be determined according to any one of the following two manners.
A First Manner
A/N/SR
part1
x,max
N+Nis compared with N.
A/N/SR
part1
x,max
A/N/SR
part1
If N+Nis less than or equal to N, the target channel resource set is determined based on N+N.
A/N/SR
Otherwise the target channel resource set is determined based on N.
A Second Manner
A/N/SR
part1
x,max
If N+Nis less than or equal to N, the set capable of carrying the largest bit length in the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined as the target channel resource set. Generally speaking, the last PUCCH resource set configured for the UE by the base station may be considered as the PUCCH resource set capable of carrying the largest bit length in the candidate PUCCH resource sets.
The abovementioned implementations elaborate a process for determining the target channel resource set in detail. It can be understood that the base station, after acquiring the target channel resource set determined by the UE in the same manner, may comprehend the target channel resource set in the same manner as the UE, so that the circumstance of different comprehension is avoided.
FIG. 2
For the technical solution shown in , the operation that the third part of information is transmitted in the target channel in the target channel resource set may specifically be implemented by the following operation.
The target channel in the target channel resource set is determined as a channel for transmission of the third part of information according to an ACK Resource Indication (ARI) information field of DCI.
The embodiment provides the method for determining a channel resource. The UE, after determining the target channel resource set according to the first bit length and/or second bit length in the feedback information, transmits the subset or complete set of the feedback information in the target channel in the target channel resource set. The base station may determine the target channel resource set used by the UE to transmit the subset or complete set of the feedback information according to the abovementioned process and determine the target channel based on the target channel resource set to receive the subset or complete set of the feedback information from the UE. Therefore, the circumstance of different comprehension of the base station and the UE to the channel resource set is avoided.
FIG. 3
FIG. 1
Based on the same inventive concept as that in the abovementioned embodiment, referring to , a method for determining a channel resource provided in the embodiment of the disclosure is shown. The method may be applied to a network device, specifically the base station shown in . The method may include the following operations.
301
In S, feedback information of UE is determined.
The feedback information includes a first part of information and a second part of information. A bit length of the first part of information is invariable, and a bit length of the second part of information is variable.
302
In S, a target channel resource set for the UE to send the feedback information from at least one candidate channel resource set configured for the UE is determined according to a first bit length and/or a second bit length.
The first bit length is the bit length of the first part of information, and the second bit length is a bit length value in a value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
303
In S, third part of information is received based on a target channel in the target channel resource set.
The third part of information is a subset or complete set of the feedback information.
FIG. 3
It can be seen from the technical solution shown in that the process that the base station determines the target channel resource set corresponds to the process that the UE determines the target channel resource set in the first embodiment, so that the base station may learn about the target channel resource set determined by the UE to send the third part of information, and the circumstance of different comprehension of the base station and the UE to the channel resource set is avoided.
FIG. 3
FIG. 1
For the technical solution shown in , the feedback information includes UCI and a check code of the UCI. The UCI includes a first UCI and a second UCI, the first part of information includes the first UCI and the check code of the UCI, and the second part of information includes the second UCI. The first UCI includes at least one of: an ACK/NACK, an SR or a part 1 CSI. Correspondingly, the second UCI includes a part 2 CSI. Information in the part 1 CSI and the part 2 CSI may refer to the contents elaborated with reference to and elaborations are omitted herein.
FIG. 3
For the technical solution shown in , in a possible implementation, the operation that the target channel resource set for the UE to send the feedback information from the at least one candidate channel resource set configured for the UE is determined according to the first bit length and/or the second bit length includes the following operations.
The target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined based on the first bit length.
Alternatively, the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined based on a sum of the first bit length and the second bit length.
In the implementation, the operation that the target channel resource set for the UE to send the feedback information from the at least one candidate channel resource set configured for the UE is determined according to the first bit length and/or the second bit length includes the following operations.
The target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined based on the first bit length and a maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
The target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined based on the first bit length and a minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
FIG. 3
For the technical solution shown in , in a possible implementation, the operation that the target channel resource set for the UE to send the feedback information from the at least one candidate channel resource set configured for the UE is determined according to the first bit length and/or the second bit length includes the following operations.
If a sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to an upper limit of a bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, the set capable of carrying a largest bit length in the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined as the target channel resource set.
Alternatively, if the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is less than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined based on the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
FIG. 3
For the technical solution shown in , in a possible implementation, the operation that the target channel resource set for the UE to send the feedback information from the at least one candidate channel resource set configured for the UE is determined according to the first bit length and/or the second bit length includes the following operation.
If a sum of the first bit length and the maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is less than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined based on the sum of the first bit length and the maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
FIG. 3
For the technical solution shown in , in a possible implementation, the operation that the target channel resource set for the UE to send the feedback information from the at least one candidate channel resource set configured for the UE is determined according to the first bit length and/or the second bit length includes the following operation.
If the sum of the first bit length and the maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is less than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined based on the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
FIG. 3
For the technical solution shown in , in a possible implementation, the operation that the target channel resource set for the UE to send the feedback information from the at least one candidate channel resource set configured for the UE is determined according to the first bit length and/or the second bit length includes the following operation.
If the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the first bit length is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, the set capable of carrying the largest bit length in the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined as the target channel resource set.
FIG. 3
For the technical solution shown in , in a possible implementation, the operation that the target channel resource set for the UE to send the feedback information from the at least one candidate channel resource set configured for the UE is determined according to the first bit length and/or the second bit length includes the following operation.
If the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the first bit length is less than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined based on the first bit length.
FIG. 3
For the technical solution shown in , in a possible implementation, the operation that the target channel resource set for the UE to send the feedback information from the at least one candidate channel resource set configured for the UE is determined according to the first bit length and/or the second bit length includes the following operations.
If the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the first bit length is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined based on a bit length of part of information in the first UCI, the part of information in the first UCI including the ACK/NACK and/or the SR.
Alternatively, if the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the first bit length is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, the set capable of carrying the largest bit length in the at least one candidate channel resource set is determined as the target channel resource set.
It can be understood that specific processes of the abovementioned possible implementations may refer to the corresponding implementations in the first embodiment and elaborations thereof are omitted in the embodiment.
FIG. 4
40
401
402
403
Based on the same inventive concept as that in the abovementioned embodiments, referring to , UE provided in the embodiment of the disclosure is shown. The UE includes a first determination portion , a second determination portion and a transmission portion .
401
The first determination portion is configured to determine feedback information that will be transmitted in a target channel. The feedback information includes a first part of information and a second part of information. A bit length of the first part of information is invariable and a bit length of the second part of information is variable.
402
The second determination portion is configured to determine a target channel resource set from at least one candidate channel resource set according to a first bit length and/or a second bit length. The first bit length is the bit length of the first part of information and the second bit length is a bit length value in a value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
403
The transmission portion is configured to transmit third part of information in the target channel in the target channel resource set. The third part of information is a subset or complete set of the feedback information.
In the solution, the feedback information includes UCI and a check code of the UCI. The UCI includes a first UCI and a second UCI, the first part of information includes the first UCI and the check code of the UCI, and the second part of information includes the second UCI. The first UCI includes at least one of:
an ACK/NACK, an SR or a part 1 CSI.
In the solution, the second UCI includes a part 2 CSI.
402
In the solution, the second determination portion is configured to determine the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set based on the first bit length.
402
Alternatively, the second determination portion is configured to determine the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set based on a sum of the first bit length and the second bit length.
402
In the solution, the second determination portion is configured to determine the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set based on the first bit length and a maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
402
The second determination portion is configured to determine the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set based on the first bit length and a minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
402
In the solution, the second determination portion is configured to, if a sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to an upper limit of a bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, determine the set capable of carrying a largest bit length in the at least one candidate channel resource set as the target channel resource set.
402
Alternatively, the second determination portion is configured to, if the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is less than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, determine the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set based on the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
402
In the solution, the second determination portion is configured to, if a sum of the first bit length and the maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is less than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, determine the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set based on the sum of the first bit length and the maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
402
In the solution, the second determination portion is configured to, if the sum of the first bit length and the maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is less than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, determine the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set based on the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
402
In the solution, the second determination portion is configured to, if the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the first bit length is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, determine the set capable of carrying the largest bit length in the at least one candidate channel resource set as the target channel resource set.
402
In the solution, the second determination portion is configured to, if the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the first bit length is less than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, determine the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set based on the first bit length.
402
In the solution, the second determination portion is configured to, if the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the first bit length is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, determine the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set based on a bit length of part of information in the first UCI. The part of information in the first UCI includes the ACK/NACK and/or the SR.
402
Alternatively, the second determination portion is configured to, if the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the first bit length is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, determine the set capable of carrying the largest bit length in the at least one candidate channel resource set as the target channel resource set.
It can be understood that, in the embodiment, “portion” may be a portion of a circuit, a portion of a processor, a portion of a program or software and the like. Of course, it may also be a unit, a module, or it may be non-modular.
In addition, each component in the embodiment may be integrated into a processing unit, each unit may also exist independently, and two or more than two units may be integrated into a unit. The integrated unit may be implemented in a hardware form, or may be implemented in form of software function module.
When implemented in form of software function module and sold or used as an independent product, the integrated unit may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on such an understanding, the technical solution of the embodiment substantially or parts thereof making contributions to the conventional art or all or part of the technical solution may be embodied in form of software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a plurality of instructions configured to enable a computer device (which may be a personal computer, a server, a network device or the like) or a processor to execute all or part of the steps of the method in the embodiment. The storage medium includes: various media capable of storing program codes such as a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk.
Therefore, the embodiment provides a computer storage medium having stored therein a program for determining a channel resource that, when being executed by at least one processor, cause the processor to implement the steps of the method in the first embodiment.
40
40
501
502
503
504
504
504
504
501
FIG. 5
FIG. 5
Based on the UE and the computer storage medium, referring to , a specific hardware structure of the UE provided in the embodiment of the disclosure is shown. The UE may include a first network interface , a first memory and a first processor . The various components are coupled together through a bus system . It can be understood that the bus system is used to implement a connection and communication between these components. The bus system includes a data bus, a power bus, a control bus and a state signal bus. However, for clear description, various buses in are marked as the bus system . The first network interface is configured to receive and send a signal in a process of receiving and sending information with another external network element.
502
503
The first memory is configured to store a computer program capable of running in the first processor .
503
The first processor is configured to run the computer program to execute the following operations.
Feedback information that will be transmitted in a target channel is determined. The feedback information includes a first part of information and a second part of information, a bit length of the first part of information is invariable and a bit length of the second part of information is variable.
A target channel resource set from at least one candidate channel resource set is determined according to a first bit length and/or a second bit length. The first bit length is the bit length of the first part of information and the second bit length is a bit length value in a value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
Third part of information is transmitted in the target channel in the target channel resource set. The third part of information is a subset or complete set of the feedback information.
502
502
It can be understood that the first memory in the embodiment of the disclosure may be a volatile memory or a nonvolatile memory, or may include both the volatile and nonvolatile memories. The nonvolatile memory may be a ROM, a Programmable ROM (PROM), an Erasable PROM (EPROM), an Electrically EPROM (EEPROM) or a flash memory. The volatile memory may be a RAM, and is used as an external high-speed cache. By way of illustration and not by way of limitation, RAMs in various forms may be adopted, such as a Static RAM (SRAM), a Dynamic RAM (DRAM), a Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), a Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDRSDRAM), an Enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), a Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM) and a Direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). It is to be noted that the first memory in the system and method described herein is intended to include, but not limited to, these and any other proper types of memory.
503
503
503
502
503
502
The first processor may be an integrated circuit chip with a signal processing capability. In an implementation process, each step of the method may be completed by an integrated logic circuit in a hardware form in the first processor or an instruction in a software form. The first processor may be a general purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or another Programmable Logic Device (PLD), discrete gate or transistor logical device and discrete hardware component. Each method, step and logical block diagram disclosed in the embodiment of the disclosure may be implemented or executed. The general purpose processor may be a microprocessor or the processor may also be any conventional processor and the like. The steps of the method disclosed in combination with the embodiment of the disclosure may be directly embodied to be executed and completed by a hardware decoding processor, or may be executed and completed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module may be located in a mature storage medium in this field such as a RAM, a flash memory, a ROM, a PROM or EEPROM and a register. The storage medium is located in the first memory . The first processor reads information in the first memory and completes the steps of the method in combination with the hardware thereof.
It can be understood that these embodiments described in the disclosure may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, a microcode or a combination thereof. In case of implementation with the hardware, the processing unit may be implemented in one or more ASICs, DSPs, DSP Devices (DSPDs), PLDs, FPGAs, general purpose processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, other electronic units configured to execute the functions described herein or a combination thereof.
In case of implementation with the software, the technology described herein may be implemented through the modules (for example, processes and functions) for executing the functions in the disclosure. A software code may be stored in the memory and executed by the processor. The memory may be implemented in the processor or outside the processor.
503
40
Specifically, the first processor in the UE is further configured to run the computer program to execute the steps of the method in the first embodiment. Elaborations are omitted herein.
FIG. 6
60
60
60
601
602
603
Based on the same inventive concept as that in the abovementioned embodiments, referring to , a composition of a network device provided in the embodiment of the disclosure is shown. The network device may specifically be the base station in the abovementioned embodiments. The network device may include a third determination portion , a fourth determination portion and a receiving portion .
601
The third determination portion is configured to determine feedback information of UE. The feedback information includes a first part of information and a second part of information, a bit length of the first part of information is invariable and a bit length of the second part of information is variable.
602
The fourth determination portion is configured to determine a target channel resource set for the UE to send the feedback information from at least one candidate channel resource set configured for the UE according to a first bit length and/or a second bit length. The first bit length is the bit length of the first part of information and the second bit length is a bit length value in a value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
603
The receiving portion is configured to receive third part of information based on a target channel in the target channel resource set. The third part of information is a subset or complete set of the feedback information.
In the solution, the feedback information includes UCI and a check code of the UCI. The UCI includes a first UCI and a second UCI, the first part of information includes the first UCI and the check code of the UCI, and the second part of information includes the second UCI. The first UCI includes at least one of: an ACK/NACK, an SR or a part 1 CSI.
In the solution, the second UCI includes a part 2 CSI.
602
In the solution, the fourth determination portion is configured to determine the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set based on the first bit length.
602
Alternatively, the fourth determination portion is configured to determine the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set based on a sum of the first bit length and the second bit length.
602
In the solution, the fourth determination portion is configured to determine the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set based on the first bit length and a maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
602
The fourth determination portion is configured to determine the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set based on the first bit length and a minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
602
In the solution, the fourth determination portion is configured to: if a sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to an upper limit of a bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, determine the set capable of carrying a largest bit length in the at least one candidate channel resource set as the target channel resource set.
602
Alternatively, the fourth determination portion is configured to: if the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is less than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, determine the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set based on the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
602
In the solution, the fourth determination portion is configured to: if a sum of the first bit length and the maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is less than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, determine the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set based on the sum of the first bit length and the maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
602
In the solution, the fourth determination portion is configured to: if the sum of the first bit length and the maximum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is less than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, determine the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set based on the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
602
In the solution, the fourth determination portion is configured to: if the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the first bit length is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, determine the set capable of carrying the largest bit length in the at least one candidate channel resource set as the target channel resource set.
602
In the solution, the fourth determination portion is configured to: if the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the first bit length is less than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, determine the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set based on the first bit length.
602
In the solution, the fourth determination portion is configured to: if the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the first bit length is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, determine the target channel resource set from the at least one candidate channel resource set based on a bit length of part of information in the first UCI. The part of information in the first UCI includes the ACK/NACK and/or the SR.
602
Alternatively, the fourth determination portion is configured to: if the sum of the first bit length and the minimum value in the value range of the bit length of the second part of information is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set and the first bit length is more than or equal to the upper limit of the bit length that can be carried by the at least one candidate channel resource set, determine the set capable of carrying the largest bit length in the at least one candidate channel resource set as the target channel resource set.
In addition, the embodiment provides a computer storage medium having stored therein a program for determining a channel resource that, when being executed by at least one processor, cause the processor to implement the steps of the method in the second embodiment. Specific elaborations about the computer storage medium may refer to the descriptions in the third embodiment and are omitted herein.
60
60
60
701
702
703
704
704
704
704
FIG. 7
FIG. 7
Based on the network device and the computer storage medium, referring to , a specific hardware structure of the network device provided in the embodiment of the disclosure is shown. The network device may include a second network interface , a second memory and a second processor . The various components are coupled together through a bus system . It can be understood that the bus system is configured to implement a connection and communication between these components. The bus system includes a data bus, a power bus, a control bus and a state signal bus. However, for clear description, various buses in are marked as the bus system .
701
The second network interface is configured to receive and send a signal in a process of receiving and sending information with another external network element.
702
703
The second memory is configured to store a computer program capable of running in the second processor .
703
The second processor is configured to run the computer program to execute the following operations.
UCI to be sent by UE is determined. The UCI to be sent includes a first UCI and a second UCI, a bit length of the first UCI is invariable and a bit length of the second UCI is variable.
A target channel resource set for the UE to send the feedback information from at least one candidate channel resource set configured for the UE is determined according to a first bit length and/or a second bit length. The first bit length is the bit length of the first part of information and the second bit length is a bit length value in a value range of the bit length of the second part of information.
Third part of information is received based on a target channel in the target channel resource set. The third part of information is a subset or complete set of the feedback information.
60
It can be understood that components in the specific hardware structure of the network device in the embodiment are similar to the corresponding components in the third embodiment and will not be elaborated herein.
703
60
Specifically, the second processor in the network device is further configured to run the computer program to execute the steps of the method in the second embodiment.
Elaborations are omitted herein.
Described above are merely the preferred embodiments of the disclosure and not intended to limit the scope of protection of the disclosure.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
The embodiments of the disclosure provide the method for determining a channel resource, the device and the computer storage medium. The UE determines the target channel resource set in the configured candidate channel resource set and then transmits the subset or complete set of the feedback information in the target channel in the target channel resource set. The base station may determine the target channel resource set used by the UE to transmit the subset or complete set of the feedback information according to the abovementioned process, and determine the target channel based on the target channel resource set to receive the subset or complete set of the feedback information from the UE. Therefore, the circumstance of different comprehension of the base station and the UE to the channel resource set is avoided. | |
US markets, and the Asian Forex market opening hours, an interval in liquidity establishes at the close of the New York exchange trading at 20:00 GMT, because the North American session comes to a close. Allowing third parties to customize content accordingly. Dollar, the euro, the Japanese yen, the British pound, and the Australian dollar. During these Forex sessions, the city with the major financial hub in the relevant timezone is given the session title during their business hours. London - Opens on Mar 31, 2019. It cannot be used to identify you and does not contain personal information such as your name bitcoin time series and email address) and it is only used for statistical purposes. Among them are Forex (FX) trading market hours, and trading sessions.
The Western session is influenced by activity in the US, with a few contributions from Canada, Mexico, and other countries in South America. The current hours time frame is indicated by the dark blue column on both maps, and the time zone is GMT. The forex market is open 24 hours a day, five days a week. Minor sessions are: Wellington/Auckland, sydney, frankfurt, hong Kong, singapore, the pattern tends to follow that as one major FX market closes, another one opens. Cookies are small data files. Although different currencies can be traded anytime you wish, a trader cannot monitor a position for such long periods of time.
Asian/European session overlaps are presented in pairs that are vigorously traded during Asian and European Forex markets hours. They refer to the hours when FX market participants are able to purchase, sell, exchange, and speculate on different currencies. When focusing on market hours, you should ignore the time frame on your platform (in most cases it'll be irrelevant and instead use the universal clock (EST/EDT) or the Market Hours Monitor to identify trading sessions. The five most traded currencies in the world are the.S. For example, trading EUR/USD, GBP/USD currency pairs would give good results between 8:00 am and 12:00 noon EST when two markets for those currencies are active. Frankfurt - Opens on Apr 01, 2019. | http://hartvooremma.nl/06354-us-forex-market-hours.html |
Studies and analyses are vital to progress and innovation and are the only way to empirically verify theories.
Not all fields of science are dependent on empirical studies and analyses to verify a thesis. Mathematics, theology, philosophy and law are examples of fields that revolve within a stand-alone world in which new findings are derived by means of logical operations consisting of axioms, postulates or articles of faith (theology) that need not be proven true or accurate through empirical studies or analyses. Although these subjects are indispensable when it comes to basic research, by themselves they don't yield technical advances.
Empirical scientific approaches are diametrically opposed to these fields however. In this case, new theories are developed based on thought processes, observations and speculation. Ensuring that this knowledge has actual scientific relevance requires that it undergo an empirical evaluation however. Researchers rely on studies and analyses to compare these theses with real observations. New scientific knowledge is considered valid only after empirical studies and analyses show that theory and reality coincide. In the process it is imperative that the studies and analyses always produce the same result under the same experiment structure. Only then it is empirically proven that the result actually behaves in line with the theory.
The validation process for new findings based on studies and analyses as described above is in no way limited to natural and engineering sciences such as physics, biology, chemistry, medicine and health, machine engineering or aero and space engineering. In fields such as the social sciences, studies and analyses are also indispensable for empirically proving the accuracy of assumptions and conclusions. Sociology uses empirical-based statistics, studies and analyses to determine if statements about the migration behavior of specific population groups is accurate for instance. The field of psychology also relies on analyses and studies to empirically validate the assumptions of certain behavior patterns.
Before the Enlightenment changed our way of thinking, universities tended to postulate and speculate more than perform scientific research. Innovations therefore were apt be accidental. Once researchers were convinced that scientific results were only possible through the use of empirical studies and analysis, the groundwork was laid for the rapid advances in science that followed. Empirical studies and analyses range from simple experiments, particularly by measuring, weighing and counting, to extremely complex processes that require an enormous amount of time and money. Determining the validity of scientific theories using empirical assurances is one of the prerequisites for implementing these theories in practice. When a specific fact has been confirmed and documented based on studies and analyses, the assumption is that it will remain a fact in the future under the same premises. Only then does it make sense to develop new technologies based on this knowledge, because this provides sufficient proof of the assumption that they always function in the same manner.
Gregor Mendel's studies and analyses on genetics provided empirical proof of his theories of heredity, which then led to modern plant breeding and the establishment of food security for millions of people. The effectiveness of penicillin, another invaluable innovation for mankind, was empirically proven by Alexander Fleming through medical studies and analyses.
innovations-report maintains a wealth of in-depth studies and analyses from a variety of subject areas including business and finance, medicine and ph
Tracking jaw movements is a useful tool for measuring the efficacy of oral appliances, according to a new study in the journal CHEST®
While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) continues to be the gold standard for treatment of sleep apnea, the cumbersome machines are often not well...06.11.2018 | Read more
Connectivity in the dentate gyrus supports pattern separation – Study published in Nature Communications
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Air pollution and transportation noise are both associated with an increased risk of heart attacks. Studies on air pollution, which do not take into account traffic noise, tend to overestimate the long-term effect of air pollution on heart attacks. These are the results of a study conducted by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, and published today in the European Heart Journal.
Where air pollution is high, the level of transportation noise is usually also elevated. Not only air pollution negatively impacts on health, but also car,...24.10.2018 | Read more
A new study provides a more comprehensive accounting of the greenhouse gas emissions from EU diets. It shows that meat and dairy products are responsible for the lion’s share of greenhouse emissions from the EU diet.
The average EU citizen has a food footprint of 1070 kg of CO2 equivalent per year when emissions from production, land use change and international...23.10.2018 | Read more
A new study by researchers from Germany and Sweden has revealed the development of drought impacts, like in this summer, across Europe. The study shows that persisting and accumulating precipitation deficits cause decreased soil moisture within days and lower stream flows within weeks, while vegetation and crops can remain unaffected for several months.
The study reports that droughts develop slowly and have delayed and multi-faceted impacts. As such, the full drought phenomenon and its consequences are...06.09.2018 | Read more
More than 50,000 people were killed by landslides around the world between 2004 and 2016, according to a new study by researchers at UK’s Sheffield University. The team, who compiled data on over 4800 fatal landslides during the 13-year period, also revealed for the first time that landslides resulting from human activity have increased over time. The research is published today in the European Geosciences Union journal Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences.
The team found that over 700 fatal landslides that occurred between 2004 and 2016 had a human fingerprint. Construction works, legal and illegal mining, as...23.08.2018 | Read more
Wear, corrosion, material fatigue - these signs of degradation are common to most materials. This makes it all the more important to detect damage early, preferably on the micro scale. Magnetic test methods are often used for this purpose, which was previously impossible with non-magnetic steel. Researchers from Kaiserslautern and Mainz have now developed a process in which they apply a thin magnetic layer to steel. Changes in the microstructure can thus be detected by changes in magnetic effects. Materials such as aluminum can also be tested in this way. The study was published in the journal Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials.
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Results of an international study could improve treatment
A recent study with significant participation by Kiel University (CAU) shows which genetic mutations cause developmental disorders and epilepsy. The results...11.07.2018 | Read more
The Baltic Sea is home to some of the world’s largest dead zones, areas of oxygen-starved waters where most marine animals can’t survive. But while parts of this sea have long suffered from low oxygen levels, a new study by a team in Finland and Germany shows that oxygen loss in coastal areas over the past century is unprecedented in the last 1500 years. The research is published today in the European Geosciences Union journal Biogeosciences.
According to the researchers, human-induced pollution, from fertilisers and sewage running off the countries surrounding the Baltic into the sea, is the main...05.07.2018 | Read more
Particulate matter significantly increases mortality amongst children in low-income countries
In 2015, around 4.5 million people died prematurely from diseases attributed to ambient air pollution, including 237,000 children under the age of five from...02.07.2018 | Read more
Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have discovered an unusual material: When cooled down to two degrees Celsius, its crystal structure and electronic properties change abruptly and significantly. In this new state, the distances between iron atoms can be tailored with the help of light beams. This opens up intriguing possibilities for application in the field of information technology. The scientists have presented their discovery in the journal "Angewandte Chemie - International Edition". The new findings are the result of close cooperation with partnering facilities in Augsburg, Dresden, Hamburg, and Moscow.
The material is an unusual form of iron oxide with the formula Fe₅O₆. The researchers produced it at a pressure of 15 gigapascals in a high-pressure laboratory...
Study by Mainz physicists indicates that the next generation of neutrino experiments may well find the answer to one of the most pressing issues in neutrino physics
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Fraunhofer researchers are investigating the potential of microimplants to stimulate nerve cells and treat chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or Parkinson’s disease. Find out what makes this form of treatment so appealing and which challenges the researchers still have to master.
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The operational speed of semiconductors in various electronic and optoelectronic devices is limited to several gigahertz (a billion oscillations per second). This constrains the upper limit of the operational speed of computing. Now researchers from the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter in Hamburg, Germany, and the Indian Institute of Technology in Bombay have explained how these processes can be sped up through the use of light waves and defected solid materials.
Light waves perform several hundred trillion oscillations per second. Hence, it is natural to envision employing light oscillations to drive the electronic...
Most natural and artificial surfaces are rough: metals and even glasses that appear smooth to the naked eye can look like jagged mountain ranges under the microscope. There is currently no uniform theory about the origin of this roughness despite it being observed on all scales, from the atomic to the tectonic. Scientists suspect that the rough surface is formed by irreversible plastic deformation that occurs in many processes of mechanical machining of components such as milling.
Prof. Dr. Lars Pastewka from the Simulation group at the Department of Microsystems Engineering at the University of Freiburg and his team have simulated such... | https://www.innovations-report.com/Studies-and-Analyses_app_510-940__offset_4_.html |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a parachute dropping kite, and more particularly relates to a kite which may be flown with one or more parachute units releasably secured to its covering and which, by a mere tug on the kite string, will release the parachute to fall to the ground.
Parachute dropping kites of various constructions are known in the art. For example, numerous devices have been described and illustrated whereby a parachute device rides up the kite string to a kite being flown hits a stop secured at a location near the kite on the kite string and is released by an appropriate mechanism cooperating with that stop, to fall to the ground. Examples of such devices are found in Shepard, Canadian Pat. No. 179,666, issued Oct. 9, 1917; Silverthorn, Canadian Pat. No. 234, 288, issued Sept. 18, 1923 and Jacobi, U.S. Pat. No. 1,787,479, issued Jan. 6, 1931. Such string-carried parachute devices require relatively cumbersome and complicated carriage means to permit them to be elevated up the string of a kite in flight. The Jacobi kite requires three strings running upwards from the ground, one being the main kite string and the other two being strings to lift the parachute carriage along that string and to release a kite release mechanism associated with that carriage.
Berthene, U.S. Pat. No. 2,575,157, issued Nov. 13, 1951 describes a parachute dropping kite in which one or more parachute devices are held within an open cylindrical capsule carried by the kite. A slowly deflating balloon within the capsule, wedging the kites against the inner edges of the capsule, acts as a time release mechanism: when the balloon reaches a certain minimum size, the parachute device is dropped from the capsule. Albrecht, U.S. Pat. No. 1,735,309, issued Nov. 12, 1929 describes another type of kite carrying encapsulated parachute devices. A slidable door, lifted by means of a string running to the ground, enables the person flying the kite to open downwardly slanting capsules and permit the parachutes to drop out from them. Both of these devices, however, are of complicated construction and sufficiently cumbersome to operate and expensive to build that they are virtually impractical for the purpose for which they were designed.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,430,899, of Zopf, issued Mar. 4, 1969 describes a kite with a detachable parachute or glider device on its upper surface. As in the Albrecht device, a second string paralling the main kite string runs from a releasable clip securing the detachable member to the main body of the kite to the ground. The detachable member is released by pulling this second string.
Fisher, U.S. Pat. No. 2,059,634, issued Nov. 3, 1936 describes and illustrates a parachute dropping kite in which the parachute is carried aloft dangling from a releasable wire spring member secured to the lower portion of the kite frame. In this device, the main kite string is used to activate a spring release mechanism. The spring member when released, enables the parachute to drop off it.
Both the Zopf and Fisher devices again require relatively intricate release mechanisms for the parachute member. The Fisher parachute dangling from the frame secured release mechanism as the kite is lifted into the air to some extent hinders the normal operation of the kite. As well, the opened spring member, once the parachute of the Fisher device is released, provides a potential hazard to anyone in the vicinity of where the kite is being used in the event of a sudden descent of the kite, protruding as it does when it has been released.
Other references of general background interest are Toth, U.S. Pat. No. 2,822,998, issued Feb. 11, 1958 and Astle, Canadian Pat. No. 391, 427, issued Sept. 24, 1940.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a simply constructed, economical parachute dropping kite which is at least as effective as those prior art devices hereinbefore described. It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a parachute dropping kite having a release mechanism which operates in association with, and is activated through, the kite string and does not require a second string, running to the kite from the ground, for actuation. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a parachute dropping kite in which the parachute is carried aloft in close association with the kite covering to reduce its effect on the aerodynamic performance of the kite.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a parachute dropping kite is provided comprising a parachute unit associated with a kite having a frame and covering secured thereto. The parachute unit is releasably secured to the covering on the underside of the kite by a holding means such as a pocket or a strap. A closure means is removably and frictionally associated with that holding means. A closure means string is provided, with one portion thereof being secured to the closure means and another portion thereof secured to the kite string at a position proximal to but spaced from the kite and of a length between these portions such that the closure means string is slack when the closure means is associated with the holding means during flight of the kite. The device is further provided with a kite string length changing means associated with the kite string at the position where the closure means string is secured to the kite string or between that position and the kite, actuable by tugging on the kite string when the kite is in flight, to lengthen the kite string such that the closure means string becomes tightened and removes the closure means from the holding means to release the parachute. Where the parachute holding means is a pocket, the closure means may be a clip removably secured to the covering of the kite to close the opening of the pocket; where the holding means is a strap, one end thereof may be permanently secured to the covering and the other end may be releasably secured to the covering by means of an appropriate closure means such as a pin.
The parachute dropping kite according to the present invention is extremely economical to construct, relative to other such prior art devices, and simple to operate, requiring merely a tug on the main kite string to actuate the kite string length changing means and release the closure means to free the parachute from the holding means of the kite. The parachute may therefore be released at the command of the person flying the kite.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon referring to the drawings in which:
FIGS. 1 and 2 are side views of an example embodiment of a parachute dropping kite according to the present invention illustrating respectively secured and removed closing means for a pocket in which the parachute is held, and an associated kite string length changing means;
FIG. 3 is a side view of a further embodiment of a parachute dropping kite according to the present invention wherein the parachute is held to and released from (in phantom) the underside of the kite covering by means of a strap;
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate yet a further embodiment of the kite according to the present invention representing another kite string length changing means.
In the references, similar features have been given similar reference numerals.
While the invention will be described in connection with example embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Turning first to FIG. 1, there is shown a parachute dropping kite 2 comprising a kite having covering 6 and frame 8 made of any appropriate rigid members. The term "covering" as used herein and in proceeding portions of this specification is intended to refer to the fabric or sheet material associated with the frame of the kite, and, where the kite has a guide 9 made from such fabric or sheet material as in the type of kite illustrated in the drawings, this term is intended to cover such guide. Kite string 10 extends from the kite to the operator on the ground below. A parachute unit 12, of any appropriate construction, as seen in FIG. 2 leaving the kite, is associated with the kite 2.
The parachute unit 12 is releasably secured to kite covering 6 at guide 9 by any appropriate holding means, this being shown, in FIGS. 1 and 2, to be pocket 14, downwardly oriented when the kite is in flight orientation. As shown in FIG. 1, the opening of the pocket is held closed, to hold the parachute within pocket 14, by an appropriate closure means shown to be clip 16. This clip is designed to be releasable from its position shown in FIG. 1 by a downwardly applied force while the kite is in flight. This action is achieved by means of closure means string 18 and elastic 20, which constitutes the upward terminal end of kite string 10 and, as will be described hereinafter, operates as a kite string length changing means. During normal operation of the kite while the parachute is to be maintained within pocket 14, string 18 remains slack, elastic 20 stretching only a litle from normal wind action on the kite as the kite is flown. Thus, clip 16 stays in clamped position across the opening of pocket 14. Of course the slackness of string 18 and elasticity of elastic 20 can be selected according to particular wind conditions. When it is desired to release parachute unit 12 from pocket 14, a sufficient tug on kite string 10 stretches elastic 20, tightens string 18 and applies sufficient force to clip 16 to remove it from its position across the opening of pocket 14. As shown in FIG. 2, the parachute is then free to fall from pocket 14. While only a single pocket is shown on guide 9 in these figures, and those which will be hereinafter described, it is of course possible to provide a corresponding pocket on the other side of guide 9, or even additional pockets on the same side or both sides of the kite guide with an appropriate clip or clips 16. In the case of multiple pockets, of course, closure means strings of appropriate length would be provided.
Turning to FIG. 3 an alternative embodiment of parachute dropping kite 2 is illustrated in which parachute unit 12 is secured to guide 9 by means of strap 22. End 24 of strap 22 is permanently fixed to guide 9 while end 26 is releasably secured thereto by means of any appropriate securing means such as, for example, pin 28. Instead of an elastic kite string length changing means, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the kite of FIG. 3 uses a snapped-together two-piece clamp 29. Male lug 30 is releasably securable in female socket 32, each piece of the clamp being secured to spaced positions along the upper end of kite string 10 at or above the position where closure means string 18 is secured to kite string 10. When the two pieces of clamp are in snapped- together position as shown in FIG. 3, loop 34 is formed in kite string 10 and closure means 18 is slack so that no force would normally be exerted to remove pin 28 from its position securing end 26 of strap 22 to kite guide 9 while the kite is being flown. The lug 30 is held within socket 32 against unpurposeful disengagement during normal flying conditions of the kite. When it is desired to remove pin 28 and free parachute unit 12 to fall to the ground, the operator tugs kite string 10 to separate the two pieces of clamp. Loop 34 disappears as the kite string, along this section, straightens up. This action in turn tightens string 18 to pull pin 28 out and permit the parachute unit 12 to fall to the ground.
FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate another mechanism whereby a loop 34 may be releasably provided in the kite string, to be maintained during normal flying of the kite, but to be released by a tug on the kite string such that pin 28 or other closure means is removed. This mechanism comprises rigid body 36 secured to kite string 10 at an upper location thereof. Groove 38 is provided in body 36, the width of the groove being less than the diameter of kite string such that the string can be releasably engaged therein and held during normal flying of the operation, for release therefrom when the kite string is pulled by the kite flyer. Thus, a loop 34 is made by fitting a portion of kite string 10 into groove 38 at a location spaced from the location where body 36 is fixed to the kite string so that sufficient slack on string 18 is provided. As seen in FIG. 5, the loop thus formed may itself be closure means string 18, this achieving the same results as the single string of FIGS. 1 to 3.
It will be understood that, in theory, the principle by which the parachute according to the present invention operates is that a single kite string is used, which kite string may be made longer by pulling or jerking the kite string from the ground. The distance between the kite string and the kite, at the point where it is secured to closure means string 18, is normally shorter than closure means string 18 such that string 18 remains slack during normal flying of the kite, while the parachute in it is held on the kite. When it is desired to release the parachute unit, however, by jerking the kite string the appropriate mechanism is activated to lengthen the kite string and tighten closure means string 18, this action removing the closure means from the strap or pocket and freeing parachute unit 12 to fall to the ground.
Thus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the present invention a parachute dropping kite that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations, beyond those which have been described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. As an example, the parachute pockets might be secured to the underneath side of the covering of the kite which does not have a kite guide as illustrated in the drawings herein. Accordingly it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. | |
Methow Valley Game Changer Grant Awards $100k for Community Development
The Community Foundation of NCW recently awarded a combined $100,000 to Jamie’s Place and Methow Valley Community Center for community development projects.
This grant was originally set at $75,000, however they received an anonymous donation of $25,000 at the last minute.
Funds were provided by late Methow Valley residents Ken Westman and Mike Real.
Jamie’s Place received $75,000 to provide Tiny Homes for their staff, where reportedly a third of their staff is housing insecure. They will be partnering with Methow at Home to offer the networking service Silver Nest, where they group prospective housemates with current homeowners.
The Methow Valley Community Center will use the remaining $25,000 to design a new electrical HVAC system, partnering with Methow Citizens Council and Methow Valley School District. | https://kpq.com/methow-valley-game-changer-grant-awards-100k-for-community-development/ |
Susan B. Anderson, a knitting name synonymous with sweet, adorable stitched creations, brings us a trio of storybook friends in String Along Toys. Worked in Lark, frogs, mice, and monkeys can be worked with loops for hands or feet so they can be linked together with their buddies.
Available in pdf and pdf and print book bundle. Choose which from the drop down menu below.
3½" [9 cm] tall when sitting, 6½" [16.5 cm] body circumference, and 3" [7.5 cm] arm and leg length
lark / 1 skein each in the following colorways:
Frogs: Snap Pea 128, Leek 131, and Parsley 129
Monkeys: Bark 121, Chanterelle 118, Egret 101, Bird's Egg 106 or Nasturtium 136
Mice: Egret 101, Dogwood 135, Kumlien's Gull 152
set dpns in size US 5 [3.75 mm]
6 sts = 1" [2.5 cm] in stockinette stitch
Long-tail cast on (link provided), increasing, decreasing, i-cord, bobbles (instructions included), working in the round. | https://quinceandco.com/products/string-along-toys |
KUALA LUMPUR: Shares in WZ Satu Bhd rose over 11% in early trade Thursday after securing a RM120mil contract from Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd.
The counter rose 11.63%, or 2.5 sen to 24 sen with 13 million shares traded. WZ Satu-WA added 14.29%, or 1.5 sen to 12 sen with 2.9 million shares done.
A consortium led by WZ Satu has secured a contract worth RM120mil for the provision of engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning (EPCIC) from Petronas Carigali.
WZ Satu's wholly-owned WZS Misi Setia Sdn Bhd and its consortium partner UMD Energy Sdn Bhd accepted the letter of award today.
The contract is for the PM 309 Gas Ledang Redev Segment 2 development project.
The duration of the contract is 16 months and that it is targeted to be completed in October 2021.
WZ Satu said the contract is expected to contribute positively to the future earnings and net assets per share of the company for the financial year ending Aug 31, 2021 to Aug 31, 2022.
Did you find this article insightful? | https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2020/07/02/quick-take-wz-satu-up-11-on-bagging-petronas-carigali-contract |
What does a JPEG have to do with economics and quantum gravity? All of them are about what happens when you simplify world-descriptions. A JPEG compresses an image by throwing out fine structure in ways a casual glance won't detect. Economists produce theories of human behavior that gloss over the details of individual psychology. Meanwhile, even our most sophisticated physics experiments can't show us the most fundamental building-blocks of matter, and so our theories have to make do with descriptions that blur out the smallest scales. The study of how theories change as we move to more or less detailed descriptions is known as renormalization.
This tutorial provides a modern introduction to renormalization from a complex systems point of view. Simon DeDeo will take students from basic concepts in information theory and image processing to some of the most important concepts in complexity, including emergence, coarse-graining, and effective theories. Only basic comfort with the use of probabilities is required for the majority of the material; some more advanced modules rely on more sophisticated algebra and basic calculus, but can be skipped. Solution sets include Python and Mathematica code to give more advanced learners hands-on experience with both mathematics and applications to data.
We'll introduce, in an elementary fashion, explicit examples of model-building including Markov Chains and Cellular Automata. We'll cover some new ideas for the description of complex systems including the Krohn-Rhodes theorem and State-Space Compression. And we'll show the connections between classic problems in physics, including the Ising model and plasma physics, and cutting-edge questions in machine learning and artificial intelligence.
🎧 Episode 077 Exploring Artificial Intelligence with Melanie Mitchell | HumanCurrent
What is artificial intelligence? Could unintended consequences arise from increased use of this technology? How will the role of humans change with AI? How will AI evolve in the next 10 years?
In this episode, Haley interviews leading Complex Systems Scientist, Professor of Computer Science at Portland State University, and external professor at the Santa Fe Institute, Melanie Mitchell. Professor Mitchell answers many profound questions about the field of artificial intelligence and gives specific examples of how this technology is being used today. She also provides some insights to help us navigate our relationship with AI as it becomes more popular in the coming years.
🔖 Fundamentals of NetLogo | Complexity Explorer
About the Tutorial:
This tutorial will present you with the basics of how to use NetLogo to create an agent-based modeling. During the tutorial, we will briefly discuss what agent-based modeling is, and then dive in to hands-on work using the NetLogo programming language, which is developed and supported at Northwestern University by Uri Wilensky. No programming background or knowledge is required, and the methods examined will be useable in any number of different fields.About the Instructor(s):
Bill Rand is an assistant professor of Business Management at the Poole College of Management at North Carolina State University and a computer scientist by training. He has co-authored a textbook on agent-based modelingwith Uri Wilensky, the author of the NetLogo programming language. He is also the author of over 50 scholarly papers, many of which use agent-based modeling as their core methodology. He received his doctorate in computer science in 2005 from the University of Michigan, and was also awarded a postdoctoral fellowship to Northwestern University, where he worked directly with Uri Wilensky as part of the NetLogo development team.Syllabus
- Introduction to ABM
- Tabs, Turtles, Patches, and Links
- Code, Control, and Collections
- Putting It All Together
- Conclusion
WE’RE LAUNCHING A NEW TUTORIAL!
Fundamentals of NetLogo, a primer on the most used agent-based modeling software, will be available tomorrow.
Stay tuned for our launch announcement, and check out all our tutorials at https://t.co/APIkME07y5 pic.twitter.com/M8qIJp1R6x
— ComplexityExplorer (@ComplexExplorer) April 2, 2018
Introduction to Dynamical Systems and Chaos
Introduction to Dynamical Systems and Chaos (Summer, 2016)
About the Course:
In this course you’ll gain an introduction to the modern study of dynamical systems, the interdisciplinary field of applied mathematics that studies systems that change over time.
Topics to be covered include: phase space, bifurcations, chaos, the butterfly effect, strange attractors, and pattern formation. The course will focus on some of the realizations from the study of dynamical systems that are of particular relevance to complex systems:
- Dynamical systems undergo bifurcations, where a small change in a system parameter such as the temperature or the harvest rate in a fishery leads to a large and qualitative change in the system’s
behavior.
- Deterministic dynamical systems can behave randomly. This property, known as sensitive dependence or the butterfly effect, places strong limits on our ability to predict some phenomena.
- Disordered behavior can be stable. Non-periodic systems with the butterfly effect can have stable average properties. So the average or statistical properties of a system can be predictable, even if its details are not.
- Complex behavior can arise from simple rules. Simple dynamical systems do not necessarily lead to simple results. In particular, we will see that simple rules can produce patterns and structures of surprising complexity.
About the Instructor:
David Feldman is Professor of Physics and Mathematics at College of the Atlantic. From 2004-2009 he was a faculty member in the Santa Fe Institute’s Complex Systems Summer School in Beijing, China. He served as the school’s co-director from 2006-2009. Dave is the author of Chaos and Fractals: An Elementary Introduction (Oxford University Press, 2012), a textbook on chaos and fractals for students with a background in high school algebra. Dave was a U.S. Fulbright Lecturer in Rwanda in 2011-12.
Course dates:
5 Jul 2016 9am PDT to
20 Sep 2016 3pm PDT
Prerequisites:
A familiarity with basic high school algebra. There will be optional lessons for those with stronger math backgrounds.
Syllabus
- Introduction I: Iterated Functions
- Introduction II: Differential Equations
- Chaos and the Butterfly Effect
- Bifurcations: Part I (Differential Equations)
- Bifurcations: Part II (Logistic Map)
- Universality
- Phase Space
- Strange Attractors
- Pattern Formation
- Summary and Conclusions
Source: Complexity Explorer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li_YSEvdvvg&feature=youtu.be
Online Lectures in Information Theory
Introductory
- Brit Cruise (Khan Academy) Informtion Theory
- Seth Lloyd (Complexity Explorer/YouTube) Introduction to Information Theory
Advanced
- Thomas Cover (Stanford | YouTube) Information Theory
- Raymond Yeung (Chinese University of Hong Kong | Coursera) Information Theory (May require account to see 3 or more archived versions)
- David MacKay (University of Cambridge) Information Theory, Inference, and Learning Algorithms
- Andrew Eckford (York University | YouTube) Coding and Information Theory
- S.N. Merchant (IIT Bombay | NPTEL :: Electronics & Communication Engineering) Introduction to Information Theory and Coding
Fortunately, most are pretty reasonable, though vary in their coverage of topics. The introductory lectures don’t require as much mathematics and can probably be understood by those at the high school level with just a small amount of basic probability theory and an understanding of the logarithm.
The top three in the advanced section (they generally presume a prior undergraduate level class in probability theory and some amount of mathematical sophistication) are from professors who’ve written some of the most commonly used college textbooks on the subject. If I recall a first edition of the Yeung text was available via download through his course interface. MacKay’s text is available for free download from his site as well.
Feel free to post other video lectures or resources you may be aware of in the comments below.
Editor’s Update: With sadness, I’ll note that David MacKay died just days after this was originally posted.
Introduction to Information Theory | SFI’s Complexity Explorer
Introduction to Information Theory
About the Tutorial:
This tutorial introduces fundamental concepts in information theory. Information theory has made considerable impact in complex systems, and has in part co-evolved with complexity science. Research areas ranging from ecology and biology to aerospace and information technology have all seen benefits from the growth of information theory.
In this tutorial, students will follow the development of information theory from bits to modern application in computing and communication. Along the way Seth Lloyd introduces valuable topics in information theory such as mutual information, boolean logic, channel capacity, and the natural relationship between information and entropy.
Lloyd coherently covers a substantial amount of material while limiting discussion of the mathematics involved. When formulas or derivations are considered, Lloyd describes the mathematics such that less advanced math students will find the tutorial accessible. Prerequisites for this tutorial are an understanding of logarithms, and at least a year of high-school algebra.
About the Instructor(s):
Professor Seth Lloyd is a principal investigator in the Research Laboratory of Electronics (RLE) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He received his A.B. from Harvard College in 1982, the Certificate of Advanced Study in Mathematics (Part III) and an M. Phil. in Philosophy of Science from Cambridge University in 1983 and 1984 under a Marshall Fellowship, and a Ph.D. in Physics in 1988 from Rockefeller University under the supervision of Professor Heinz Pagels.
From 1988 to 1991, Professor Lloyd was a postdoctoral fellow in the High Energy Physics Department at the California Institute of Technology, where he worked with Professor Murray Gell-Mann on applications of information to quantum-mechanical systems. From 1991 to 1994, he was a postdoctoral fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he worked at the Center for Nonlinear Systems on quantum computation. In 1994, he joined the faculty of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at MIT. Since 1988, Professor Lloyd has also been an adjunct faculty member at the Sante Fe Institute.
Professor Lloyd has performed seminal work in the fields of quantum computation and quantum communications, including proposing the first technologically feasible design for a quantum computer, demonstrating the viability of quantum analog computation, proving quantum analogs of Shannon’s noisy channel theorem, and designing novel methods for quantum error correction and noise reduction.
Professor Lloyd is a member of the American Physical Society and the Amercian Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Tutorial Team:
Yoav Kallus is an Omidyar Fellow at the Santa Fe Institute. His research at the boundary of statistical physics and geometry looks at how and when simple interactions lead to the formation of complex order in materials and when preferred local order leads to system-wide disorder. Yoav holds a B.Sc. in physics from Rice University and a Ph.D. in physics from Cornell University. Before joining the Santa Fe Institute, Yoav was a postdoctoral fellow at the Princeton Center for Theoretical Science in Princeton University. | https://boffosocko.com/tag/complexity-explorer/ |
Mozambique prepares to ban use of plastic bags
Mozambican Minister of Land and Environment Ivete Maibasse announced Friday that the institution plans to submit a law aiming to ban the use of plastic bags in the country as an effort to reduce harmful practices to public health, infrastructures and the environment.
The private sector will be given one year to prepare before the law is fully implemented, and there will also be some exceptions, said the minister during the opening of the National Council for Sustainable Development in Maputo.
“Exceptions will be for plastic bags used for food packaging, for conditioning solid waste as well as for the health, mining, agriculture and construction sectors,” said Maibasse.
He said the ban will also exclude the plastic bags produced in the special economic zones as long as they are for export purposes.
In a previous campaign conducted to reduce the use of plastic bags in the country from 2015 to 2017, the ministry reportedly collected about 7,000 tons of plastic bags from warehouses and markets, which later were transformed into hoses, buckets and bowls for charity institutions.
Disclaimer: News Ghana is not responsible for the reportage or opinions of contributors published on the website.
Xinhua News Agency, Xinhuanet is an important central news service-oriented website, an important information organ of the central government, and an important platform for building up China's online international communication capacity.
Established on November 7, 1997, as an online news provider of the Xinhua News Agency, it was officially named Xinhuanet on March 10, 2000 and began around-the-clock news release with leading online public opinion at home and setting a good image of China abroad as its main task. | |
History of Medicine
FAQsImages from the History of Medicine (IHM)
Question: How do I manipulate the images in my Workspace?Answer:
Move the cursor over any image in the Workspace to reveal the Viewing Tools icons in the top right-hand corner of the image.
Moving Images: To move images in the Workspace drag the sides of the gray frame. To move the image inside the frame, drag the image in the desired direction using the Thumbnail Navigator as your guide. The Thumbnail Navigator is on the lower right corner of the Workspace. To show/hide the Thumbnail Navigator, click the third icon to the left.
Re-sizing Frame: To re-size the frame drag the corners of the gray frame. You can also force fit the image to the frame by clicking on the third icon to the right.
Zooming: Zoom in and out on an image by clicking on the + or - symbol, using the scroll wheel on your mouse, or by dragging the zoom bar left or right.
Maximizing/Minimizing: To maximize the image to the Workspace, click on the second icon to the right. To minimize the image, zoom out (as indicated above).
Removing Images: Remove an image from the Workspace by clicking the X icon on the far right.
Viewing Image Information: Click the i icon, second from the left to view image information.
Viewing Help: Click the ? icon on the left to view Help.
Accessing Presentations: Click the Presentations tab located in the top left corner of the Workspace.
Accessing Media Groups: Click the Media tab located in the bottom left corner of the Workspace.
You can also use the Share This and Embed This functions located at the top of the Workspace to create dynamic links to the Workspace.
| |
That the light of the day fades and the sky takes on a rosy glow, give your guests a glass of delicious pink fizz scented with cloves and cinnamon.
The ingredient of Orange-pink
- 1 x 750ml btl rose
- 1 orange, sliced
- 8 cloves
- 1 x 7cm cinnamon stick
- 1 x 1 bottle lemonade, chilled
- ice cubes, to serve
The instruction how to make Orange-pink
- Combine the pink, the orange, the cloves and the cinnamon stick in a large pitcher. Place in refrigerator for 1 hour to chill.
- Add the lemonade and ice. Pour into serving glasses to serve.
Nutritions of Orange-pinkfatContent: 120.695 calories
saturatedFatContent:
carbohydrateContent:
sugarContent: 16 grams carbohydrates
fibreContent:
proteinContent:
cholesterolContent: 0.5 grams protein
sodiumContent: | http://pekanberita.com/recipes/1532-orange-pink |
When I select Line x3 mode, my TV scale to 1280x720p/50p : is it normal behavior ?
That figure is not what your TV is scaling to, it is the input resolution (i.e. the output from the OSSC). From your pictures, we see V.Active = 240, and 240×3 = 720 so it makes sense.
I notice your image is also cropped vertically, so you could test other V.active, like 256 for 1280×768 output, or do Lx4 1080p (V. active is then 270). See the stickied tips & tweaks thread.
Why your image is cropped horizontally is a bit weird. Looks like it crops 1 pixel each side (there should be an outer red border on the grid pattern, if I’m not mistaken the squares in the grid are 16×16 pixels, 16 across and 14 tall so 256×224). Then it would seem you should set h.active to 258, though I find that odd, afaik PAL NES does not output wider visible area than NTSC. Additionally it could cause the image to drop because then you have less standard image frame (1290×720 instead of 1280×720). Also I see you have sample rate at 341.1, that fractional samplerate might affect the width (I’m also not sure it’s needed for optimal sampling, 341 should work fine).
Finally make sure any overscan (zoom) setting on your TV is disabled.
Anyways, some things to try. | https://videogameperfection.com/forums/reply/44995/ |
The Caddo cultural tradition can be traced back confidently to at least 1200 years ago or about A.D. 800, the year Charlemagne was crowned the first Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III. We know about Charlemagne through written accounts by eyewitnesses and later historians. But the Caddo, like all other North American tribes north of Mexico, did not have a writing system; instead they kept history in their heads in what must have been a very lively and complex oral tradition. Through the recitation of sacred stories and songs, oral traditions can and often do convey significant memories and understandings of times long past, contrary to what many of us raised in societies with strong written traditions may believe.
Most of the particulars of early Caddo history that were maintained by oral tradition have been lost to time, especially to the drastic changes and catastrophic losses of life forced upon the Caddo by the invasion of America by Europeans. Ironically, the "literate" European cultures brought about the wholesale destruction of the carefully maintained oral histories of so many "nonliterate" Native American societies. Be that as it may, there are surviving bits of early Caddo history preserved in the traditions maintained by Caddo peoples today, in early Spanish and French accounts, and in later written histories as well as in the oral traditions recorded by ethnographers and folklorists.
These sources serve us reasonably well for the last 300 years or so, but beyond that we do not have much to go on. Some of the recorded Caddo stories, origin "myths," or "legends" collected by late 19th-century scholars do contain tantalizing clues about early Caddo ancestors. For instance, ethnologist James Mooney recorded this story:
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There are other recorded Caddo origin stories, most of them mythical and allegorical in nature. These are the Caddo equivalents of the biblical stories of Adam and Eve and of the Great Flood replete with flawed heroes, human/animal interactions, floods, and the brink of world destruction. While these help us understand Caddo worldview, they tell us few facts about early Caddo history.
As discussed in Learning about the Caddo Past, the three major sources of information about early Caddo history are archeology, biological anthropology, and linguistics. Archeology and biological (or physical) anthropology depend on archeological finds. Studies of the Caddoan languages suggest that ancestors of the Caddo and the ancestors of the Plains Caddoans (Wichita, Kichai, Pawnee, and Arikira) split from a common ancestor (ancestral group) in the distant past, at least 3,000 years ago and probably even earlier. The Caddo cultural tradition as recognized now by archeologists begins about 1200 years ago (A.D. 800). What can we say about the ancestors of Caddo speakers between 1200 and 3,000 years ago? The short answer is "not enough." While we know something about various sites and cultural patterns in and near the Caddo homeland between about 1200-3000 years ago, we are not yet certain which patterns represent the direct ancestors of today's Caddo.
Explaining how and why the Caddo cultural tradition developed when and where it did and how it changed through time is a challenging task for four reasons that must be made clear.
(1) Archeological cultures are not the same as human social groups. Distinct human social groups (tribes, peoples, nations) are typically defined based on differences in language, dress, physical appearance, territory, and custom. Archeologically, many of these distinctions are invisible: stones and pottery sherds do not speak. Therefore, an archeological "culture" is merely a perceived pattern of sites with similar arrays of preserved artifacts that may or may not correspond to a real social group. Archeologists call these patterns cultures, traditions, and phases.
(2) Archeologists dig up stones, bones, and pottery sherds, not cultures. Linking specific types of artifacts to specific archeological cultures is a tedious and tenuous process that involves much guesswork. It is not until the arrival of European chroniclers that we have the first written accounts that give tribal names and meager descriptions. Even then it is often very difficult to link known groups to archeological patterns.
(3) Archeologists need sizable and dated artifact samples from many different places before they can make good inferences regarding how archeological sites and the people who created them relate to one another. We need large samples in order to detect statistically meaningful patterns. But large artifact samples do not have much meaning unless we know how old the artifacts are and the specific places they came from. While archeologists can often estimate the "relative" or approximate age of a distinctive artifact such as a pottery sherd or whole vessel of a particular style, most artifacts are not distinctive enough to be dated tightly. The most reliable dating method in the Caddo area is radiocarbon dating, a method of estimating the age of organic materials such as charred wood or bone based on the measured ratio of radioactive C14 to normal carbon. But radiocarbon dates are expensive (up to $700 apiece) and multiple dates are needed from a single context (hearth, house, layer, etc.) to obtain secure calibrated date ranges.
(4) Most archeological sites contain a mixture of artifacts from different time periods and cultures. This is simply because most sites are located near streams and rivers in places well suited for human occupation. Even today many farmhouses, towns, and cities stand atop traces of ancient settlements. When the materials from different periods of time are neatly stacked into separate layers like a layer cake, archeologists can recognize changes through time. Most sites in the Caddo homeland are not neatly layered and materials from different time periods are often mixed together, making it difficult or impossible to sort out what goes with what.
Our understanding of the ancestral traces of the Caddo cultural tradition is hampered by all four of these factors. The physical evidence we do have from sites in the region that are thought to date between 1000-3000 years ago is not very abundant and often problematic. Overall, relatively few sites dating to this time span have been identified confidently and most contain a mix of materials of different age. Even fewer sites have been excavated and of these, only a handful can be considered securely dated. So we are forced to make do with meager evidence as we try to sketch out the early history of the ancestral Caddo.
Keep these limitations in mind as you explore the Caddo Ancestors exhibit. In archeology, our interpretations can only be as good as the data we base them on. As more and more is learned, archeologists reevaluate earlier ideas and interpretations, refining some, rejecting others, and reaching new understandings. | https://dev.texasbeyondhistory.net/tejas/ancestors/tracing.html |
COMP11 Project (HW11): Splendor
In this assignment, you will implement the board game Splendor as a C++ program. Your implementation will be submitted in two parts (neither part of this assignment has a written portion):
• Part I is due by midnight on Tuesday, November 26th. You will use the script submit-hw11p1 for this submission.
• Part II is due by midnight on Monday, December 9th. You will use the script submit-hw11p2 for this submission.
Due to the scope of this project, it will be weighted higher (by 50%) than your other homeworks when calculating your final grade. The purpose of this project is to:
• Practice building and integrating more classes into a large program
• Design your own classes from scratch
• Complete a large-scale project using all the knowledge you’ve gained from COMP11
• Implement a real-world board game with a C++ program
As per usual, start by pulling the starter code:
pull-code11 hw11
You’ll notice that, apart from the utility files that allow us to control the terminal (termfuncs.cpp and termfuncs.h) and a C++ file that drives the program (splendor.cpp), there are only two C++ files being provided to you (game.h and game.cpp), neither of which is fully complete. A major goal of this final project is to test your ability to take a larger-scale problem, break it down into manageable parts, implement solutions to those parts, and test the individual solutions as you go. To meet this goal, you will be designing and implementing multiple classes and functions across multiple files; it is imperative that you follow the COMP11 axioms written on the front page of the course website to stay on pace and avoid getting overwhelmed.
Like many board games, the rules for this project may seem complex at first, but will quickly become intuitive. We strongly suggest you approach this project by performing the following steps:
1. Read the entire spec in one sitting without trying to understand everything. Put down the spec and go do something else.
2. Come back, try reading it again, and take notes about what you’re being asked to do and what you don’t understand.
3. Run the demo program a few times, seeing how the demo realizes the various aspects of the game described in the game overview section of this spec.
4. Ask questions in office hours or on piazza if you still do not understand an aspect of the game after completing the previous three steps.
5. Read over the C++ code we have provided for you; it contains many design hints (both in terms of what classes you might want to implement, and some of the functionality that they might provide).
6. Design, implement, and test the parts of the game in the order suggested in the Programming section.
1 Game overview
Your final project is to implement the board game Splendor in C++. You will be implementing a 2-player variant where some of the rules will be realized as \extra credit" (official Splendor rules).
In Splendor, you are a savvy, Renaissance merchant. To maintain your social status, you will use all your resources to purchase mines, transportation methods, and vendors that together will let you turn raw gems into gorgeous jewels. Your goal is to finish the game with more \prestige points" than your opponent, proving that you are the greatest merchant in the land! You and your opponent will take turns until one of you reaches 15 prestige points, which signals the end of the game (if the first player wins, the second player gets one more turn). When all final turns are completed, whoever has the most points wins.
The rest of this section outlines the components of the game, the turn-by-turn rules, and the conditions for ending and winning the game. When we refer to a \board", we are talking about the main play space printed out to the screen while your program is running.
1.1 Game ComponentsThere are three components in this game: gems, cards, and nobles.
Gems are your currency; they are used to purchase cards. There are 6 different types of gems, each of a different color. There are 4 gems of each normal color (white, red, pink, blue, and green), and 5 of the gold \wildcard" gems.
Cards represent the mines, transportation methods, and vendors that your business relies upon. You will purchase cards over the course of the game to both obtain more prestige points and earn discounts that make future purchases cheaper. Each category of card has its own deck (3 decks in total): there are 40 mine cards, 30 transportation cards, and 20 vendor cards. Every card has three pieces of information:
1. A prestige point value. This is how many prestige points you gain if you buy the card.
2. A colored discount. If you own this card (by buying it), you get a discount on future card purchases.
3. A gem cost. This specifies how many gems (and of which colors) are required to purchase the card.
In our visualization of the game, a card’s prestige point value is in the top left corner, its discount is indicated in the top right corner, and its cost is in the lower left corner.
Nobles are members of high society who are watching your progress. If you meet certain conditions during the game, you will gain the loyal patronage (and the associated prestige) of one or more of the 3 nobles on the board. Including nobles in your submission will constitute extra credit (details explained below); you may ignore any mention of nobles if you do not wish to tackle the extra credit.
1.2 Game SetupAt the start of the game, all the gems are on the board and available for either player. The three card decks are placed in a column, and the top four cards of each deck are revealed in a row (giving you three rows of 4 cards each, flanked by the decks to the left of each row). Finally, three nobles are placed on the board.
1.3 Game Rules
Splendor is played with two players alternating turns, starting with Player 1. On their turn, a player must perform exactly one of the following 4 actions:
1. Take 3 gem tokens, each of a different color, from the board and into your private collection. Gold gems cannot be taken.
2. Take 2 gem tokens of the same color from the board and into your private collection. Gold gems cannot be taken. You may only perform this action if all 4 gems of the desired color are on the board. For example, if there are 3 red gems left on the board, you cannot take 2 red gems as your action.
3. \Reserve" 1 visible card on the board and take 1 gold gem from the board (this is the only way you can get gold during the game). The reserved card is put in your \hand" (which may hold up to 3 reserved cards) and cannot be discarded; the only way to remove it from your hand is to purchase it on a later turn (described below). If there is no more gold on the board, you can still reserve a card (if you have space in your hand); you simply don’t receive any gold.
4. \Purchase" 1 visible card, either from the board or from your hand of reserved cards. To purchase a card, you must spend the gems matching the card’s cost; the spent gems are returned to the board from your private collection. A gold gem can replace a gem of any color, e.g., if a card costs 4 red gems but you only have 3 red gems and 1 gold gem, the gold gem can act as the 4th red gem so you can purchase the card. Purchasing a card grants you a discount (described below) and the number of prestige points indicated on the card.A player cannot have more than 10 gems in their private collection at the end of a turn. If they do, they must return gems to the board until they only have 10.
Each card you buy during the game grants you a discount of a given color (indicated on the card). This discount applies to future purchases: each discount of a given color is equal to a gem of that color. For example, if a player has 2 blue discounts and wants to purchase a card that costs 2 blue gems and 1 green gem, they only have to spend 1 green gem to get the card. Due to this rule, it’s possible to eventually own enough cards such that you could purchase a card for free (all the gem costs being covered by your purchased cards’ discounts).
If nobles are included in your game (i.e., you’re tackling the extra credit of this assignment), then a player might gain their loyal patronage at the end of their turn. Each noble displays a list of gem discounts (colors and quantities) that impress them; if a player has at least the quantity and color of the discounts displayed on a noble at the end of their turn, the noble will become a loyal patron of that player, adding 3 prestige points to their tally. That noble is then removed from the board.
1.4 End of Game
When a player gains at least 15 prestige points, the game ending is triggered. If Player 1 is the first to 15 prestige points, then Player 2 gets one more turn before the game is over. If Player 2 is the first to 15 prestige points, the game is simply over. The player with the most prestige points is the victor! In case of a tie, the player who has purchased the fewest cards is the winner.
2 Programming
2.1 Demo ProgramAs with the previous assignment, the best way to understand the rules of Splendor is to run the demo program and try playing the game (make sure to do pull-code11 first so you have the necessary splendor.data file)! Feel free to play the demo with another student:
splendor demo splendor.data trueTo play the game, you must type out commands for the program to execute. Our demo supports the following commands, each of which follows the game rules outlined earlier in the spec (see what happens if you try to issue an illegal command, like trying to take gems that aren’t on the table or buy cards you cannot afford):
(the first argument indicates the data filename, the second argument indicates whether or not you’d like to play with nobles)
• q - Quit the game.
• p3 - Take 3 gems from the table, each of a different color. You specify the colors after the command, e.g., p3 red white blue would put a red, white, and blue gem into your private collection.
• p2 - Take 2 gems of the same color (only possible if there are 4 gems of that color on the table). You specify the color after the command, e.g., p2 red would put 2 red gems into your private collection.
• r - Reserve a visible card from the table. You specify the row by the first letter of its name (m - Mines, t - Transport, v - Vendors) and then the index of the card in that row (using 1-indexing), e.g, r m 4 would reserve the 4th card from the mine row. A gold gem is automatically put in your private collection if any gold gems are left on the board.
• b - Purchase a visible card from the table. You use the same specification as above, e.g., b t 2. The gems necessary to purchase the card (including gold \wildcard" gems) are automatically spent, and any applicable discounts are applied automatically.
• br - Purchase a reserved card. You specify the index of the card in your hand (using 1-indexing), e.g., br 2 would purchase the second reserved card in your hand. Gems are automatically spent and discounts are automatically applied as done in the previous command.
2.2 Starter Code and Other Provided Files
2.2.1 Starter C++ code
You are provided with five C++ files when you run pull-code11 hw11: termfuncs.h and termfuncs.cpp (which simply hijack your terminal screen; these should not be modified at all), splendor.cpp (which creates a Game object and runs the game; this should not be modified at all), and game.h and game.cpp.
The game files implement a partially completed Game class, which represents a game of Splendor. The clearBoard() function and any function whose name starts with draw are completed, and they provide a number of hints of what classes you might want to define, what public functions they should provide, and what helper functions you should define in the game class (recall how you used these files to help design an appropriate Card class in lab). The constructor and playGame() functions are not complete, but you will only need to modify the constructor to complete Part I of the assignment.
2.2.2 Testing files
The following files are provided for testing:
• splendor.data: The data file containing all the card and noble information for a Splendor game. This file should not be modified in any way.
• test[1-3].in and test[1-3].gt: Three pairs of input and ground truth files to diff against for Part I, Part II, and the extra credit of this assignment, respectively.
Even though this program is visual, you can still use the exact same testing framework you’ve been using all semester (and our autograder will be using it too), i.e., with your compiled splendor executable run:
./splendor splendor.data false < test1.in > test1.out
(produces an output file called test1.out)
diff test1.out test1.gt
(produces output if any visual aspect of your game implementation differs from the ground truth)
You should create additional test input files to make sure all aspects of your game are working properly for each submission. Due to the visual nature of this program, any output generated will look like nonsense if you try to look at it with Atom. Rely on the cat and diff commands to inspect and compare your output.
We have also implemented a program that can shuffle the cards and nobles in the provided data file to provide a new data file. Specifically, if you are in the same directory as splendor.data and run
you will have a new file called shuffled.data that can be used instead of splendor.data if you want a more randomized game setup.
shuffle splendor
2.3 Part I: Quit before you start (30 Points Total; DUE EARLY)
For your first submission, you are tasked with displaying the initial configuration of the game and allowing the user to quit by typing ‘q’ at the turn prompt. To accomplish this, you will first need to design the classes and methods used in game.cpp to get everything to compile. We suggest focusing on one class at a time and testing it with a main() function in the class’s .cpp file, which will let you compile just that .cpp file by itself (remember to remove this main() when you’re ready to compile this class with your other .cpp files).
You already started designing and implementing a Card class in lab and a partial Game class is provided; our solution only requires two other classes, one of which is a slight variant of a class live coded in lecture and provided on the course website (only one line of code was modified). The vast majority of methods you need to implement for this part are simple getters and setters. Hints about these classes and their methods are peppered throughout the provided game.h and game.cpp files. You will also need to augment the Game class’s constructor and write a few helper functions in the Game class.
2.4 Part II: Play! (50 Points Total)For your second submission you will be implementing the remaining turn commands. The more complex commands rely on the simpler ones (as does our testing), thus we recommend that you implement the commands in the following order and (initially) without any error checking for queries that violate the game rules.
1. Gems (10 points): Implement the two commands that take gems from the table, p2 and p3.
2. Reserving Cards (10 Points): Implement the command for reserving cards, r.
3. Purchasing Cards (20 Points): Implement the two commands for purchasing cards, b and br.
When the above queries are working as specified, finish the implementation by adding in Error Checking (10 points) to ensure that a query cannot violate the game rules.
2.5 Extra Credit: Nobles (+10 points)Add the nobles and their \loyalty" functionality to the game.
3 Submitting your work
You will perform two submissions for this assignment. The first submission will comprise all the files that realize Part I of the program. Since you have the freedom of naming the .cpp and .h files that together
implement this part, it is up to you to make sure that all necessary files are in the same directory, i.e., the submit11 script will not know what file names to look for. Once you’re sure that all the necessary files are in the same directory, go into that directory and enter the following command:
submit11-hw11p1
Your second submission will comprise all the files that implement the full game of Splendor. Again, make sure all the needed files for compilation are in the same directory, go into that directory, and enter the following command:
submit11-hw11p2
2019-11-25
In this assignment, you will implement the board game Splendor as a C++ program. | https://daixieit.com/article/index/id/150 |
Q:
Number-guessing game with simple GUI
This is my second program in Python. I am aware that globals are a bad idea, but that is what I have learned so far in my course.
Right now the program is doing what it's supposed to do, my only concern is that it might be too long for nothing. I'm asking you to help me figure out where I could make it simpler.
import simplegui
import random
import math
#Globals, random guess and player's remaining guesses
num_range = 100
remaining_guesses = 7
# New game, range from 0 - 100 by default
# after the according button is pressed
# Reset the remaining guesses to 7
def range100():
global num_range
global remaining_guesses
remaining_guesses = 7
print "New game. Range is from 0 to 100"
print "Number of remaining guesses is %i" %(remaining_guesses)
print ""
num_range = random.randrange(0, 101)
return num_range
# Set game to a range of 0 - 1000
# after the according button is pressed
# Reset the remaining guesses to 10
def range1000():
global num_range
global remaining_guesses
remaining_guesses = 10
print "New game. Range is from 0 to 1000"
print "Number of remaining guesses is %i" %(remaining_guesses)
print ""
num_range = random.randrange(0, 1001)
return num_range
# Compare guess to random range
# Remove 1 to remaining guesses
# Display hint on the random range
# Restart the game if player is correct or out of guesses
def input_guess(guess):
guess = float(guess)
global remaining_guesses
global num_range
remaining_guesses -= 1
print "Your guess was: %i" %(guess)
print "Number of remaining guesses is %i" %(remaining_guesses)
if (remaining_guesses == 0 and guess != num_range):
print "The correct answer was %i" %(num_range)
print "Let's try again!"
print ""
print ""
range100()
elif (remaining_guesses == 0 and guess == num_range):
print "Correct!"
print ""
print ""
range100()
elif guess > num_range:
print "Try a lower number!"
elif guess < num_range:
print "Try a higher number!"
else:
print ""
return guess, remaining_guesses
# Create & start frame
f = simplegui.create_frame("Guess the number", 200, 200)
f.add_button("Range is [0, 100]", range100, 200)
f.add_button("Range is [0, 1000]", range1000, 200)
f.add_input('My label', input_guess, 50)
f.start()
# Start a new game
range100()
A:
You have a function called input_guess(). That function inputs the guess, compares the guess, and plays the entire game. It should only input the guess. I would create a function to run the program, one to input the number, and one to do the comparison and output prompts about being too large or small. This way, only the function that plays the game needs to know the number of moves left. Once the number is correctly guessed, that function just returns to its caller, who can call it again if the user wants to play again. Also, try not to write functions this long.
As for your range100() and range1000() functions, I would combine those into one function like this:
def get_num(min, max):
print "New game. Range is from " + min + " to " + max
num = random.randrange(min, max + 1)
return num
You can tell the user how many guesses they have left in the function that controls the game.
Finally, you should have the part of the program that always runs in an if __name__ == "__main__": block. This is for re-usability of your program, and you can read more about it here: What does if __name__ == “__main__”: do?.
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Q:
Asymptotic behaviour of a sequence of integrals
Equation (37) on pg. 226 of "Birthday paradox, coupon collectors, caching algorithms and self-organizing search" by Flajolet, Gardier and Thimonier reads:
$$
E\{C_m\} = \int_0^{\infty}(1-\Theta_m(t)) dt, \quad \mathrm{where} \quad \Theta_m(t)=\prod_{i=1}^m (1-e^{-p_i t}).
$$
In fact they omit the subscript $m$ from $\Theta_m$, but as stackexchange user kimchi lover points out, $\Theta$ does indeed depend on $m$.
Here $m$ is a positive integer, and for all $i\in\{1, \ldots, m\}$, $p_i=\frac{1}{H_m i}$, where $H_m$ is the $m$-th harmonic number, $\sum_{k=1}^m \frac{1}{k}$. Thus $\{p_1, \ldots, p_m\}$ is a Zipf distribution.
The authors write (my subscript $m$)
"It can be proved that $\Theta_m(t)$ has a sharp transition from $0$ to
$1$ for $t$ around $m \log^2 m$. More precisely, quantity
\begin{equation}
F_m(x)=-\log \Theta_m(xm \log m H_m)
\end{equation}
is such that for fixed $x$ as $m \to \infty$, we have: $F_m(x) \to \infty$ if $x<1$ and $F_m(x) \to 0$
if $x \geq 1$.''
I can prove the latter fact (if I replace $x\geq1$ by $x>1$, which I think is enough for the intended purpose - see below), and stackexchange user kimchi lover has kindly provided a proof of the former fact, here:
https://math.stackexchange.com/a/3577487/159855
I assume that by $xm \log m H_m$ the authors mean $xm(\log m)H_m$, and this is confirmed by kimchi lover's proof.
As a corollary, the authors state that
\begin{equation}
E(C_m) \sim m \log^2 m, \tag{1}
\end{equation}
where by $\log^2 m$, I assume they mean $(\log m)^2$.
Intuitively this makes sense (since $m(\log m)H_m$ is the area of a rectangle of width $m(\log m)H_m$ and height $1$, and since $H_m \sim \log m$), but let's try to prove it:
\begin{align}
\frac{1}{m(\log m)H_m} \int_0^{\infty}(1-\Theta_m(t)) dt
&= \int_0^{\infty}(1-\Theta_m(xm(\log m)H_m)) dx \\
&= \int_0^{\infty}(1-e^{-F_m(x)}) dx.
\end{align}
Let $\epsilon \in (0,1)$. Then since the integrand is between $0$ and $1$ and is decreasing in $x$, we have
\begin{align}
1 \geq \int_0^1 (1-e^{-F_m(x)}) dx
& \geq \int_0^{1-\epsilon}(1-e^{-F_m(x)}) dx \\
& \geq \int_0^{1-\epsilon}(1-e^{-F_m(1-\epsilon)}) dx \\
&= (1-\epsilon)(1-e^{-F_m(1-\epsilon)}) \\
&> (1-\epsilon)^2
\end{align}
for sufficiently large $m$.
Therefore
\begin{equation}
(1-\epsilon)^2 + \int_1^{\infty}(1-e^{-F_m(x)}) dx \leq \frac{E(C_m)}{m(\log m)H_m} \leq 1 + \int_1^{\infty}(1-e^{-F_m(x)}) dx
\end{equation}
provided $m$ is large enough.
If $\int_1^{\infty}(1-e^{-F_m(x)}) dx$ were in $o(m)$ as $m \to \infty$, then since $\epsilon>0$ is arbitrary, (1) would follow.
Can we use the fact that, for $x>1$, $F_m(x) \to 0$ as $m \to \infty$ to prove that $\int_1^{\infty}(1-e^{-F_m(x)}) dx$ is indeed $o(m)$ as $m \to \infty$ ?
EDIT:
I should have asked for the stronger condition, that $\int_1^{\infty}(1-e^{-F_m(x)}) dx$ is in $o(1)$ (not only in $o(m)$), which does indeed hold, as kimchi lover has shown.
A:
It suffices to show, as $m\to\infty$, that the ratio $$\frac{\int_{m(\log m)^2}^\infty(1-\Theta_m(t))\,dt}{m(\log m)^2}\to 0.\tag1$$
This convergence follows from the inclusion-exclusion or Bonferonni estimate $$1-\Theta_m(t)\le\sum_{i=1}^m e^{-p_it}$$ which can be explicity integrated to yield the estimate
$$
\int_{m(\log m)^2}^\infty(1-\Theta_m(t))\,dt\le
\sum_{i=1}^m \frac {e^{-p_im(\log m)^2 }}{p_i}$$
$$=
\sum_{i=1}^m i H_m \exp\left(-\frac {m(\log m)^2}{iH_m} \right)\le
m^2 H_m \exp\left(-\frac {(\log m)^2}{H_m} \right)\tag2.
$$
Under the fiction that $H_m=\log m$ it is easy to check (1), since the exponential on the right side of (2) evaluates to $1/m$. A correct argument, based on $H_m=\log m +\gamma +o(1)$, gives the same result: the exponential factor in (2) is $\sim c/m$ for some non-zero constant $c$, and on division by $m(\log m)^2$, the ratio in (1) tends to $0$.
This Flajolet et al. paper is a strenuous read!
| |
The collapse of Ponte Morandi in Genoa, Italy (read more) and Florida International University pedestrian bridge (read more) have raised concerns about the safety and reliability of existing and new bridge structures. common Defects in bridge structures can affect the overall safety of the bridge structures. Different deterioration mechanisms can lead to major defects. Exiting infrastructure in developed countries are nearing the end of their initial service life design. According to the National Research Council Canada, one-third of Canada’s highway bridges have some structural or functional deficiencies and a short remaining service life. The condition of bridges in the United States in not different: According to the ASCE Infrastructure Report Card (2017) “The U.S. has 614,387 bridges, almost four in 10 of which are 50 years or older. 56,007 — 9.1% — of the nation’s bridges were structurally deficient in 2016”.
Designing Bridge Structures to Last
The Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code (S6-14, 2014) considers a service life of 75 years for newly constructed bridge. What does this mean in engineering terms? It means that the bridges of the future should have satisfactory performance, both durability and structural, during the proposed life-cycle. To achieve such service life, a carefully reviewed design and detailing is required. This should be followed by high quality construction work. Finally, a systematic maintenance plan (as part of asset management) should exist to ensure that the performance objectives are met at all times.
Common Defects in Bridge Structures
A- Defects in Superstructure
Several deterioration mechanism can impact the integrity of bridge superstructure (mainly bridge decks). Depending on the material used in the construction of the bridge, different deterioration mechanisms can develop over time.
A1- CONCRETE BRIDGE STRUCTURES
SHRP Report S2-R06A has summarized some of the deterioration mechanism that contribute to most common defects in concrete bridge deck as:
* Corrosion (read more)
* Carbonation
*Alkali-Silica Reaction (read more)
* Influence of High Temperature
* Creep and Shrinkage
* Water penetration
* Freeze and Thaw
A2- STEEL BRIDGE STRUCTURES
Ontario Structure Inspection Manual (OSIM, 2008) summarizes some of the most common damage mechanisms in steel bridge structures as the following:
* Corrosion
* Fatigue (low cycle and high cycle)
* Cracks in elements and joints
* Deficiencies in connections
* Permanent Deformation (i.e. buckling, bending, etc.)
Defects in Substructure
Defects can also happen in the substructure components, such as the foundations, abutments and piers, and the retaining walls.
Substructure components can experience the same deterioration mechanism as described in the superstructure. Concrete piers, and abutments can experience deterioration as a results of steel rebar corrosion, freeze and thaw cycles, and alkali-silica reactions. These components can also experience deficiencies in their performance.
How to Detect Defects in Bridge Structures?
1- Routine Visual Inspection
Visual inspection of bridge components is the first action to identify the defects and quantify the extent and severity of the defects. Visual inspection of bridges is normally conducted on a routine basis. For example, in Ontario, Canada, bridges with spans of longer than 3 meters, must be visually inspected every two years (biennial inspection). The defects are marked and recorded. Based on the extent of the deterioration, the engineer can recommend additional testing (condition survey). OSIM (2008) provides a comprehensive approach to the close up visual inspection of bridge structures in Ontario (Remarks on Ontario Structure Inspection Manual)
2- Detailed Condition Survey
The condition survey of bridge structures often involve a series of destructive tests (sawing, cutting, taking core samples). Core samples are used to study the visual condition of the core profile (showing sign of cracks, corrosion, delamination), and testing them for compressive strength, and chloride content. The main advantage of these methods is their compliance with most codes and guidelines; however, one should note that the coring increases the chance of damaging an already damaged structure. Overall, destructive test methods are not particularly ideal for identifying the location and extent of defects in bridge structures over large areas (such as large bridge decks). To learn more about the challenges of these methods, read MAIN CHALLENGES OF CONCRETE CORING
3- Non-Destructive Testing
Several non-destructive testing (NDT/NDE) that can be used to evaluate the existing condition of different structural and non-structural components in bridge structures, and to identify the location and extent of defects in bridge structures. Most of these methods are widely used in the inspection of bridge decks; however, they can be used to evaluate the abutments, main reinforced concrete girders. The main advantage of NDT for bridge inspection is that it can be used to monitor a wider area in a relatively short time. The methods are repeatable, which means they are ideal for periodic routine inspection of bridges. Another big advantage of this group of tests is that they can be conducted with minimum intervention, and damage to the structure. To learn more about some of the most widely used NDT methods for bridge inspection, Read this:
NDT for Detailed Bridge Deck Condition Survey
Author: Hamed Layssi, PhD, PEng
Dr. Layssi is a passionate entrepreneur and professional engineer, and the co-founder of FPrimeC Solutions Inc. in Ottawa, Ontario. As chief structural evaluation engineer, Dr. Layssi brings his extensive experience in the condition assessment of infrastructure. Mr. Layssi holds a PhD from McGill University. He is a registered professional engineer in Ontario since 2014 and was awarded the 2018 entrepreneurship award by Professional Engineers Ontario – Ottawa chapter. | http://www.fprimec.com/common-defects-in-bridge-structures/ |
- Students will represent data in a bar graph.
- Students will learn to extrapolate data from a bar graph.
- Students will use comparison math terms.
- Students will average numbers.
Materials
- A large bag of M&M's or anything else that can be divided so that every child has an assortment of about 20 items that can be sorted by different attributes (color, size, shape). There are a number of cereals that work well for these lessons as do colored tiles.
- Graph Paper
- Crayons
- Spreadsheet software (optional)
Procedures
- Give each child a piece of 1/2 inch graph paper, crayons, and about 20 M&M' s.
- Demonstrate how to make the X and Y axis, to assign number values, and attributes to them.
- The children sort the M&M's by color, counting each color grouping as well as the total M&M's.
- Have students arrange the M&M's by color from the most to the least on the graph paper.
- Direct the students to convert this data into bar graphs.
- Tell the students to write number sentences and less than/greater than statements about their findings.
- Have students find the average number of each color for the whole class.
- Students can take all of this information, put it into a spreadsheet, and generate graphs on computers.
Using M&Ms, students will practice graphing and averaging and use the data in a spreadsheet.
Subjects
Holidays
TYPE: | https://www.teachervision.com/mathematics/m-m-math |
Posted by Rich Weill on Monday, March 16, 2009
Today marks my sixth anniversary on the banjo. So it's as good a time as any to reflect on the most important things I've learned along the way.
The most important thing, I believe, was developing an understanding of how banjo music works. When I first started, I amassed a lot of instructional material that told me what to do -- but never why. It wasn't until I read a copy of Jack Hatfield's "You Can Teach Yourself Banjo By Ear" that I got my first bit of understanding of how melody notes fit into a roll, the function slurs (slides, hammer-ons, etc.) serve, what a lick really is, and so forth. Roger Sprung's "Play Along" CD taught me more about rolls and melodies. Other bits and pieces I've picked up elsewhere.
In that vein, I believe it's important to learn that:
1. The roll you play at any particular point in the song ideally accomplishes three things simultaneously: (a) it's your rhythm section; (b) it connects the key melody notes in approximately their correct location in the measure; and (c) it plays enough on the inside strings that you can hear the chord behind the melody. [The (c) part is most important when you are playing an unusual chord. Choose a roll there that plays the 5th string less, and plays the other strings more.]
2. Melody notes are best inserted at particular places in particular rolls. For example, in a standard (TM TIM TIM) forward roll, they are the 1st, 4th, and 7th notes of the roll, while in an FMB roll, they are the 1st, 3rd, and 6th notes.
3. More often than not, you play no more than 3 melody notes per measure. If there are four, feel free to drop one (usually the second). It's also not particularly important to play repeating melody notes within the same measure. [I learned this last bit from Harold Streeter's Banjo II course.]
4. There are three basic ways to accentuate a melody note: (a) play it louder (often by playing it with the thumb); (b) pause (i.e., eliminate the roll note) either just before or just after the note you want to emphasize; and (c) sliding, hammering, etc. into the note.
5. The farther up the neck you go, the less precise the melody needs to be. [I'm not sure why, other than the fact that up-the-neck breaks tend to be played later in an arrangement, after the melody already has been established in the listener's ear.]
6. If you learn 3 or 4 different vamping patterns and 3 or 4 different backup rolls (i.e., rolls that don't play the 5th string), and you know your I-IV-V chords in the important keys along the neck, you probably can play decent backup to most songs in most keys without a capo.
7. The Circle of Fifths is the Rosetta Stone for understanding most chord progressions.
8. When listening for chord changes in a I-IV-V song, if the melody goes up at the change, it's probably going from I to IV; if the melody goes down, it's probably going from I to V.
Beyond these kinds of things, the other major thing I've learned is that songs are best learned in layers. Play a simple version first. Just a forward roll over the chords with the single-note melody inserted. No licks, no slides. Then experiment with other rolls. Add a lick where the melody pauses. Slide into, or hammer onto some melody notes. [It's all in Janet Davis' "Splitting the Licks."] Doing it this way: (1) you can hear the tune the first time through and every time thereafter; (2) you can play as much as you can handle, and still play the song; (3) you learn how to play by ear. Trying to play full arrangments from tab accomplishes none of these three things.
Those are my pearls of wisdom for the day. I just wish I could apply them better myself.
3 comments on “Six-Year Reflections”
twayneking Says:
Monday, March 16, 2009 @8:18:39 PM
You guys are such hard workers.
No wonder I sound like the Wreck of the Old 97 - the real wreck; lots of screaching and tortured metal sounds.....
captin2521 Says:
Sunday, September 27, 2009 @7:13:53 PM
Thanks for the blog. I'm about to hit my one year mark using tab and
dvds and your blog kind of tells me where I need to go next.
I need all the help I can get to someday take my banjo out of the basement.
Thanks again.
Joe Jakonczuk Says:
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 @5:58:11 AM
Some very good observations.
Joe
You must sign into your myHangout account before you can post comments. | https://www.banjohangout.org/blog/11348 |
Membership fees for 2018 are $20/person, or $25/family, per year.
Our bigger events include a Midsummer celebration, a fall picnic, concerts, lectures, bus and ski trips and a Christmas party. Some of our smaller gatherings include movie nights and cooking demonstrations. Our Philadelphia Flyers Finnish Hockey Night is one of our members’ favorites and provide our members with an opportunity to meet the Finnish players.
Please contact us for more information or to join. You can now join by clicking the button on the right (select your membership level first), or download, print and mail the membership application to Marja Kaisla, President, FASDV, 59 Woodale Rd, Philadelphia PA 19118.
To learn about volunteer opportunities, click here. | http://fasdv.org/support-fasdv/ |
What Does Your Rottweiler’s Sleeping Positions Tells You?
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Since you love large dogs, you have decided to adopt a Rottweiler. Well, you have made the right choice. Rottweilers are doubtlessly some of...
Do you think Rottweilers are dangerous?
Rottweilers have a bad representing of being dangerous. But we think they're the cutest out there. Does this look evil to you? Rottweilers are considered... | https://www.rottweilerlife.com/page/2/ |
Mirrored Mountains Quilt
I’ve had the opportunity to test two incredible quilt patterns this month, which was a new experience for me. I worked with pattern testers when I was developing my Raw Diamond pattern, but I’d never actually been on the testing side of the process.
First up, was the Mirrored Mountains quilt pattern by Lorna of Cloth and Crescent. Her pattern was so much fun to work on. There are many pieces and most of them are one of a kind, so you really have to follow the instructions carefully to make sure each block is in the right place. It felt a bit like solving a puzzle.
I pulled fabric from my stash that was inspired by the green grass, yellow dandelions and white lily of the valley in my back yard.
I got to work cutting and piecing. The pattern is a great mix of HSTs, squares, rectangles and curves! I had to keep my pieces labeled to stay organized.
After piecing all my blocks, I laid them out and decided I didn’t like how the triangle print placement looked all random, and I needed to get out my seam ripper and re-do them so the triangles all pointed the same direction. It was a bit of a set-back to re-do them but I was so much happier with the results once I did.
The top and bottom of my quilt top fit perfectly on the clips on this narrow wall in my studio. I kept it up on the wall like this for a few days so I could just enjoy its bright colours.
I took my finished quilt top to the beach with me on Canada Day to get a lakeside photo.
I had fun quilting it with “mirrored” lines. I am always so delighted by how much a quilt is transformed once the quilting is finished. I used the bright green fabric for my binding.
Birds Hill Quilt
The second pattern I tested was the Birds Hill quilt for Erin at The Blanket Statement. This modern quilt has so much movement to it with its seemingly randomly placed HSTs.
I used Periwinkle, Hunter Green, and Natural solids along with Rifle Paper Co.‘s Wildwood Petite Garden Party.
My plan was to use the floral as my main background fabric. It’s soooooo beautiful, I wanted ALL the floral. I made my first block and was so excited with it.
Unfortunately, once I made 15 more blocks and started placing them together to admire my work, I realized that it was just. too. much. floral! It was a case of too much of a good thing. It was going to be dizzying if I steamed ahead as planned. So…I headed back to the fabric store to buy more of the Natural fabric and started again, using the Natural for my background fabric.
Ahhhhh… much better. This one has some breathing room and just enough floral to create interest without taking over.
I sent my quilt top off to Ma Tante Quilting for long arm quilting to give it the royal treatment and look how spectacular it turned out. She used the “Baptist Clam” pantograph which gives the geometric quilt design some softness. I used the Hunter Green fabric for my binding, which finished it all off perfectly. | https://hollyclarkedesign.com/quilt-pattern-testing/ |
The numbers game
New goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski has been handed the number one shirt at Ewood Park following his move from Belgian club KAA Gent earlier this week, whilst fellow summer signing Tyrhys Dolan, who has impressed in pre-season, will wear number 39.
Lewis Holtby, who wore the number 22 shirt last season, will wear number 10 on his back this term – as he did at former clubs Fulham and Schalke – taking over from Danny Graham, who left the club last month.
Youngsters John Buckley, Joe Rankin-Costello and Hayden Carter have also been handed new numbers for the new season, with Buckley moving up from 39 to 21, Rankin-Costello going from 37 to 24 and Carter climbing from 41 to 25.
Fellow Academy graduates Scott Wharton and Andy Fisher, who both spent last season out on loan from Ewood Park, will wear numbers 28 and 33 respectively.
Meanwhile, promising young goalkeeper Jordan Eastham, who signed his first professional contract with the club earlier this summer, has been given a senior squad number for the first time (45). | |
One restaurant closing every week since VAT hike, lobby group claims
Restaurants in rural Ireland are finding it hardest to cope with the recent VAT hike on the industry, according to the Restaurants Association of Ireland.
The RAI says the increase from 9%t o 13.5% has led to an average of one restaurant closing down every week.
The association is calling on the government to reduce the rate down to 11% to show it values the tourism industry.
Adrian Cummins, Chief Executive of the RAI, says as things stand, restaurants are struggling to cope.
“With the increase in VAT, the shortage of skilled chefs and rising costs of doing business, many restaurants are struggling to keep their doors open," he told the association's annual conference in Killarney.
"The government needs to show it values the tourism industry by reducing the VAT rate to 11%, put more resources towards processing chef permits and bring in tax incentives for employee accommodation.”
The RAI is also calling for the introduction of tax incentives to allow restaurant owners to provide short-term accommodation for staff. | |
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the priority benefit of Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/433,481, filed Dec. 14, 2002, by the present inventor.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to improved methods and apparatus concerning pet toys and training devices.
There are numerous pet toys in the prior art for the amusement, exercise, training and stimulation of the user. Unfortunately, the majority of them provide only a limited amount of sensory stimulation and therefore, the pet grows tired of the toy quickly and it loses its appeal. This problem was acknowledged and addressed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,671, in which Herrenbuck stated, “There are a number of amusement devices and toys in the prior art for entertaining and stimulating their users, often pets or children. Some toys are designed to stimulate the user, be that user a pet or a child, by emitting sounds. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,839 discloses an impact sensitive talking ball that emits a message when the ball is hit or bounced. Other toys are designed to dispense desired objects, such as pet treats. U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,571 provides an example of such a device. The device disclosed in that patent provides an inner housing that is movable within an outer housing. As the device is motioned by a pet, the device delivers treats placed in the inner housing through openings associated with the outer housing. These devices in the prior art, however, provide only limited stimulation. A device might provide an audio-based stimulation that is designed to engage a user's attention. Another device may attract a user's attention by delivering treats when the device is used. Such limited stimulation reduces the likelihood that a user, such as a pet, will be sufficiently interested in the toy to use it as intended.” It is for this reason, as well as others which I will address later, that I agree with Herrenbuck that pet toys must utilize a multi-sensory approach if they are to maintain the pet's interest for an extended period of time. Ideally, a toy should appeal to all five of the pet's senses, the senses of hearing, seeing, smelling, feeling, and tasting. However, U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,671 has faults itself. For example, like U.S. Pat No. 6,158,391, another treat dispensing pet toy, the pet is limited in the way it can interact with the toy. Neither comprises a handle or rope by which the pet can manipulate or carry the toy from one place to another. Aside from dispensing treats, they virtually are of little use or serve little purpose to the pet because of this limitation. When the last treat has been dispensed, it is unlikely the toy will remain of interest to the pet much longer. In addition, the lack of a handle or rope limits the toy's use as an interactive toy that can be used by the pet with its owner for play, training, or exercise. For example, if the owner wants to play tugging games with the pet, there is no place for either of them to latch or grab on to. Tugging games are a favorite among pets, especially dogs. They provide exercise, interaction with their owner, competition, and an opportunity for an owner to train a pet to release the item on which it is tugging with a command such as “release” or “leave it”. Another example of this would be if the owner wanted to interact with the pet through playing or exercising his pet with a game of fetch, or to train the pet to retrieve the toy and return it to him. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, because there is no handle or rope by which the pet can easily move these toys, it would be difficult at best to use either of those toys for such purposes.
Providing treats to a pet for desired behavior during play or training is a powerful means of positive reinforcement. Ideally, a treat dispensing toy, when utilized for training purposes, would house the treats that could be removed easily and quickly by the owner and given to the pet as a reward immediately after the behavior is exhibited. It is well known that a positive reward must be given to a pet within a few seconds of performing a desired command or trick in order to perpetuate this behavior. A common means of storing treats is in a pants pocket so that they are close at hand and out of the pet's reach. This method tends to be very messy because crumbs from the treats remain in the pocket. It is also difficult to remove the treats quickly from a pocket, especially if the owner is playing in a seated position. Although treat bags on the market, such as the “Treat Tote” by Canine Hardware Inc. have tried to remedy this problem, they have not fully succeeded. This is because most treat bags must be connected to a belt. If the owner did not want to wear a belt or could not wear with the apparel he was wearing, for example, a pair of sweat pants or shorts, he would be prohibited from making proper use of this tote and would not receive the intended benefit of the product. This could also happen if the owner was wearing a piece of outerwear that covered the treat bag. It can also be a burden to carry around extra bags of this nature. U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,403 discloses a disposable treat pocket that secures to a person's clothing by adhesive. However, even though this is an improvement over the above mentioned tote, it still requires an owner to bear an extra bag of sorts that can impede movement or be easily knocked off of the body, or the contents accidentally emptied out during play with the pet. Additionally, when a pet or group of pets, such as you would find at a dog park, smells treats from such a tote or pocket, they can pester the owner for treats and become fixated on the treat storage device instead of the toy, training device or the owner. Therefore, the most beneficial option for training is for the toy to actually serve as the treat container. Unfortunately, even if there was a limited way in which the treat dispensing ball toys disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,671 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,391 could be used for interactive play or training purposes, removal of the treats from within the toy by the owner is difficult at best because the treats within must pass through a plurality of barriers or housing in order to exit the toy.
Another key element to training a pet is the pet's belief that a reward will be given. If the pet actually sees the reward, specifically a treat, he will be more likely to comply with a command given by the owner. Again, because of the plurality of barriers and housings that comprise the above referenced treat dispensing toys, the pet will not readily see the treats contained in them. U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,571 discloses a treat dispensing toy that addresses the need for pet and the pet owner to more easily see the contents. It is claimed that the inner housing of this pet toy is translucent or transparent. However, this toy again, like the prior art mentioned above, does not contain a rope or handle by which the pet can maneuver the toy. Also mentioned in that patent is a need for improved pet toys that do not require regular and constant actuation by, or the presence of, the pet owner, which toys are based on an efficient and simplified self-regulating mechanical delivery system. This brings us to U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,570, which discloses a retrievable animal toy which has a two-part body at least one part of which has at least one hollow portion for holding an item, an animal food item or items and which is not accessible by an animal until released therefrom. One embodiment has a transparent portion, or body so the animal can see the item within the toy. The problem with this toy is that it is designed to prevent the animal from having access to the food items until a person opens the body or releases the item from a holding device. Therefore, the toy can not be used as a treat dispensing toy without interaction from the owner. In addition, it too lacks a rope or handle by which the pet can maneuver the toy.
There are many treat-dispensing rubber chew toys on the market. U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,366 discloses a non-consumable animal toy comprising a three-dimensional body formed of substantially solid resilient material into which a small quantity of animal food or attractant can be placed and be accessible for consumption by the pet. While many of these chew toys are resilient and do not break easily, their usefulness as a treat dispensing toy is limited as they can only hold a small quantity of food, sometimes only one small biscuit. Once the pet has consumed this food item, the pet will loose interest in the toy. Also, it is possible for the pet to bite off a piece of the food item and the other portion can remain stuck in the toy. This can be very frustrating for the pet since it can be impossible for him to get the food out with his paws or mouth.
Aside from treat dispensing toys, rope tug toys are popular as well. They provide an excellent means of exercise and interaction between the pet and owner. U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,272 discloses one such toy. It is a therapeutic animal tug toy comprising a length of cotton rope which is woven so as to define a closed loop handle, a shaft portion extending from the loop handle and a pair of tail portions extending from the shaft portion. The tail portions each define a knot therein proximate their extended ends. However, the problem I see with this toy, as well as any other rope toy with loose tail threads, is that the threads easily become detached when the pet chews on them. This can lead to choking or digestive problems in the pet if he swallows too many of them. Additionally, rope toys such as this one offer very little sensory stimulation to the pet.
Chew toys offer therapeutic benefits to the oral health of dogs and satisfy their basic urge to chew. However, many chew toys, especially those of vinyl, are easily destroyed by pets since they are collapsible. Pieces can be bitten off and swallowed causing a safety hazard and rendering the toy useless. Many vinyl chew toys have painted surfaces for decoration. When used for fetching games within a home environment, the paint from the toy can mark walls and floors. This is another disadvantage.
The present invention in one or more embodiments provides a pet food dispensing apparatus comprising a container and a cord. The container may have a first opening through which the cord is inserted; and the container may have a chamber in which at least one item of food can be placed. The first opening of the container may be large enough to allow the at least one item of food to pass through the first opening while the cord is in the first opening of the container.
The container may include a first end, at which the first opening is located, and a second end at which a cap or cap portion is located. The cap portion can be removed to allow insertion of one or more items of food into the chamber of the container through a second opening of the container. The second opening may be larger than the first opening. The cord may be a rope. The cord may have a first end having a stopper, which is larger than the first opening and which prevents the cord from completely falling out of the container through the first opening. The stopper may be a knot in the cord. The cord may have a second end having a handle. The handle may be a loop.
The container may include a neck portion which may include a covering. The covering may be comprised of rubber and may be comprised of a plurality of protruding bumps.
The present invention in one or more embodiments may include a method comprising the steps of inserting a cord through a first opening of a container so that the cord lies partially in a chamber of the container, placing an item of food into the chamber of the container; and preventing the cord from coming completely out of the container.
Several objects of the present invention in one or more embodiments are as follows.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a pet toy that utilizes a multi-sensory approach to keep the pet interested and motivated to use the toy. The pet toy provided may appeal to the pet's senses of touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a safe and durable pet toy in which parts will not be easily removed or broken by the pet.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an interactive toy which can be used by the owners for playing with their pet for games such as “fetch” and “tug-o-wae”.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a toy that the pet will be able to use without interaction from the owner.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an interactive toy which can be used as a training tool for commands such as “fetch”, “bring it”, and “leave it”.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a toy which involves positive reinforcement through the dispensing of treats, food items, or pet food from within the toy by the owner in a quick and easy manner.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a treat or pet food dispensing toy in which the pet actually sees the treats or pet food items.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a toy from which the pet can obtain treats or pet food items independently.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a toy with multiple functions such as training, chewing (cleaning teeth), tugging, pulling, and swinging.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a toy which is non-staining to the environment such as walls and floors.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a toy that can be manufactured in various sizes for use by various pet breeds, yet still maintain the same purpose and function regardless of size.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a toy that does not have parts which can be easily removed by the pet and lead to choking or destruction of the toy.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a toy that stores treats or pet food items instead of storing them in a pocket or treat or pet food item tote.
Further objects and advantages are to provide a lightweight toy without angles or sharp protrusions which can cause injury. In one or more embodiments, since the main plastic container is cylindrical, there are no angles or areas into which the pet can bite. This will preserve the structure and usefulness of the toy and also allow for better movement of the toy as the pet is playing with it. It also reduces the chance of injury to the pet, the owner, and others around the toy as it is being used. The toy can easily be cleaned through the opening in the base of the container. This will allow the owner to keep the toy sanitary.
Still another advantage of the present invention in one or more embodiments over other treat or pet food dispensing toys on the market is that it is likely easier and less expensive to produce since it does not involve a plurality of layers, barriers, deflectors in the container. Instead, the treats simply slide out on their own when the toy is manipulated in a certain way. Also, since, in one or more embodiments, there is only one opening for the treats to exit the container, the toy will present more of a challenge than treat dispensing toys with several openings from which the treats exit the toy. Having only one exit also reduces the amount of small unwanted crumbs that will be deposited on surfaces such as carpets and floors. However, the treats can still easily be removed by the owner upon tipping the container downward. Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
FIG. 1
shows a side view of an apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2
FIG. 1
shows a side view of some of the components of the apparatus of along with a covering;
FIG. 3
FIG. 1
shows a back view of a container of the apparatus of with a rear cap removed;
FIG. 4
FIG. 1
shows a front view of the container of the apparatus of with the covering shown on a neck of the container;
FIG. 5
FIG. 1
shows a side view of the apparatus of along with the covering;
FIG. 6
FIG. 1
shows a side view of the apparatus of where a treat has moved to another location; and
FIG. 7
FIG. 1
FIG. 6
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shows a side view of the apparatus of where the treat of has moved out of the container shown in FIG. .
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
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shows a side view of an apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus includes a container , a cord or rope , and a plurality of pet food items or treats .
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The container includes a rear cap , a substantially cylindrical body portion , a narrowing portion , a sloped neck portion , a rim , a portion , and a portion . The portion may include ridges , , and . The container , when the rear cap is connected, attached or screwed onto the body portion is a closed container with the exception of a plurality of small holes and an opening . Each of the plurality of small holes has a diameter which is small enough to prevent any of the plurality of treats , such as treats and , from falling through any one of the holes and out of the container . The holes may be scent holes which may be used to allow the aroma of treats such as treats , to permeate through the container , and thus to be smelled by a dog or other pet. The container may be a bottle. The neck portion is typically thinner than the body portion . The container may include an inner chamber . The inner chamber may be located, at least, inside the body portion , and the portions and .
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The cap may be made of rubber, plastic, or a combination of rubber and plastic.
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The rope may include a knot , a straight portion and a handle . The handle can be in the form of a loop. The knot may be called a stopper or rope retention means and is typically large enough so that the knot cannot be pulled out of the container through the opening . The loop may have an inner diameter of D, which may be, for example, about two and one half inches.
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The treats , may for example, be rectangular or cubed shaped food items or food treats. Each treat, such as treat , may be an item of food, which may for example be cubed shaped with a height, width, and depth of D, which may be one quarter an inch. Each food item, such as needs to be able to fit through the opening with the straight portion of the rope or cord in the opening as shown by .
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shows a side view of some of the components of the apparatus of along with a covering . The covering is shown fitted onto the neck portion of the container . also shows the rear cap separated or unscrewed from the body portion . The body portion may include portion which may be comprised of ridges , , and for screwing onto internal recesses, not shown, at end of rear cap . The rear cap has a closed surface . The body portion may also have an opening defined by a rim . The opening is large enough to allow the knot of the rope to be pulled out of the container when the rear cap has been removed as in FIG. .
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The covering is comprised of portions , , and . The covering may be made of rubber or plastic textured wrap that may serve as both a handle and chewing surface for a pet, such as a dog. Each of the portions , , and may include a plurality of protruding bumps or ridges. Portion may include bumps or ridges and and further bumps or ridges. Portion may include bumps or ridges and and further bumps or ridges. Portion may include bumps or ridges and and further bumps or ridges. The covering may fit tightly onto the neck portion so that it would be difficult for a dog to remove the covering from off of neck portion of the container .
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The covering may be provided instead with a smooth texture, instead of with bumps and ridges. The covering , in one or more embodiments may not be provided at all.
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shows a back view of the container of the apparatus of with the cap removed. The opening defined by rim can be seen in FIG. . The ridge can be seen in FIG. . is a view which is looking into the body portion of the container and into the chamber which is inside the body portion . A rim can also be seen in the view of FIG. . also shows the location of opening
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shows a front view of the container of the apparatus of with the covering shown on the neck portion of the container . also shows the location in dashed lines of the straight portion of the rope . The straight portion of the rope may have an approximate diameter of about D, which may be one half inch. The diameter of the straight portion may be about half of the diameter D of the opening of the container .The diameter of the straight portion of the rope should be small enough in relation to the diameter D of the opening to allow a treat, such as treat , to escape from the container through the opening as will be shown and described with reference to , , and .
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FIGS. 6 and 7
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shows a side view of the apparatus of along with the covering . shows a side view of the apparatus of where a treat has moved to another location. shows a side view of the apparatus of where the treat of has moved out of the container shown in FIG. . The covering has been left out of for simplification, however, typically the covering would be on the neck portion .
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In operation, typically, the cap portion would be removed from the container . Assuming, that the knot has not yet been tied, i.e. that the rope is at first only comprised of a straight portion and a loop portion , end of the rope can be inserted through the opening . After the end gets through the neck portion , the knot can be tied or some other stopper can be put on the end of the rope to prevent the end from falling through the opening
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With the rear cap removed, treats , such as treats and can be inserted through the opening shown in FIGS. and FIG. . The treats are typically inserted so that the fall into the body portion , or portion , of the container as shown in FIG. . With the treats inserted as in , the cap can be attached, connected, or screwed onto the portion to form a closed container (with the exception of opening ) as shown in FIG. .
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The rubber covering may be placed onto the neck portion at this time or some other time, or the rubber covering may be permanently attached to the neck portion of the container . shows a side view of the container with the treats inside the container , the knot inside the container , and the covering on the neck portion of the container .
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In order for a pet, for example, to get a treat out of the container , the pet may grab the loop of the rope with his or her mouth and shake or otherwise move the rope . The shaking of the rope may cause the knot to move within the container and may also cause the treats to move. For example, one of the treats, such as treat may move into the neck portion as shown by and eventually out of the opening and out of the container as shown by FIG. . FIG. and do not show covering for simplification of description. However, the pet could grab the covering with his or her mouth and could also cause the knot to move and the treat to move into the neck portion , into the position of , and eventually out of the container through the opening , into the position of FIG. .
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A person can dispense a treat, such as treat to a pet by moving knot and for example, tilting container to cause the treat to move into the neck portion as in FIG. and then out of the container as in FIG. . There may be many ways of getting treats, such as treat , out of the container , such as by shaking and/or tilting the container and thereby moving both the knot and the treat
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The container , including the rear cap , may be made from clear, sturdy, but lightweight plastic.
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The rope may be a tightly braided, solid, or multi-colored rope. The loop may be secured by a second knot, not shown, or in any other manner. The loop may be used to prevent the rope from completely falling into the chamber of the container since it is wider than the opening of the container . When an owner or pet manipulates the combination of the apparatus and the cover , shown in , in such a way that the treats , such as treat move into the neck portion of the container , the treats , such as treat will slide alongside the rope and exit or be dispensed from the container . The owner can also manually remove the treats by removing the rubber or plastic cap or plug . This cap or plug , when inserted properly, can be designed to remain flush with the body portion of the container , to prevent the pet from chewing it.
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When using this pet toy, comprised of apparatus and covering , alone, the pet may pull or swing it around by the rope . The pet may also carry the toy in its mouth by biting onto covering that encircles the elongated neck portion of the container . The pet may also choose to use this toy for chewing purposes by chewing on the covering or the rope . The treat dispensing quality of this toy comes into play when the pet swings the toy by the rope or rolls or manipulates the toy in such a way that the treats exit the container via the elongated neck portion of the container and pass along side the rope that runs through the neck and leaves or exits the container via the first opening . The challenge of the toy, and what will keep the pet interested and motivated to use it, is the positive reward that comes from this treat dispensing quality. In addition, the sound of the treats hitting against one another and hitting the interior of the container produces a rattling sound that appeals to the pet's sense of hearing. Another feature of the toy that will motivate the pet to play is the sight of the treats through the clear container . In addition, the pet will probably be most motivated to use the toy because of the smell of the treats through the scent holes that are present in the container . There may be another set of scent holes, like scent holes . On the other side of the container , directly across from the scent holes .
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This toy, comprised in one or more embodiments of apparatus and covering , can also be used as an interactive play toy for both owner and pet for enjoyment and/or training purposes. The owner can play tugging games with the pet by holding on to the container or the rope or loop handle of the rope while the pet holds the opposite part in his mouth. The owner can use this toy for training purposes to teach the pet the command “leave it” in which he wants the pet to release the toy. Each time the pet successfully complies with the command “leave it”, the owner can remove a treat, such as treat , from the container by shaking through treat though the elongated neck portion of the container or removing the rear cap or plug from the opening at the base of the body portion of the container and then replace the rear cap or plug . The owner can also hold the toy, comprised of apparatus and covering , in the air and allow the pet to run and jump for the toy which it can grasp in its mouth by either the rope or the neck portion of the container which is covered by the rubber or plastic textured wrap . As a reward for successfully reaching and grasping the toy, the owner can dispense a treat, such as treat , to the pet as noted above. The owner can play or teach the pet to retrieve by throwing the toy, including apparatus and covering , and giving the “fetch” command. When the pet returns the toy to the owner with a “bring it” or “come” command, the pet will be rewarded with a treat, such as treat , from the container by the owner as noted above.
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Many other tricks can be taught with this toy, comprised of apparatus and covering in one embodiment, because of the reward component involved. Since the pet sees the treats present in the container , he or she is more likely to comply with commands or perform tricks than if the treats were stored in the owner's pocket or a treat bag where they were less obvious to the pet.
The description of my invention in one embodiment outlined above is only one way to design this treat dispensing pet toy and training device. However, many modifications can be made that will still allow for the preservation of the original intent, spirit, and purpose of the toy. Some of these modifications are as follows:
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The container can be made with a colored opaque plastic or tinted with a color but still remain translucent. The rope may contain a small amount of fringe rather than ending in a knot or have no loop or some other type of handle attached to the rope made of plastic or rubber. The container can be in various shapes and sizes including a ball shape or in the shape of some object such as an animal, car, boat, etc.
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The neck portion of the container can be various widths or lengths. The covering that encircles the neck portion of the container can be various colors, textures, or sizes. The rope can be a solid color or have multiple colors. The rope can be of various lengths. Rather than a plug being used for rear cap , as a means of sealing off the opening in the base of the body portion of the container through which treats are inserted and/or removed, a plastic door with locking capability could be used and attached using internal hinges within the container or the door could snap in place and be removed from the body portion of the container entirely. These options can be likened to those used in the battery compartments of radios. Both methods would not be able to be opened by the pet, only the owner. Another option includes having no opening in the container aside from the one at the neck portion of the container and having the owner load the treats via that opening by moving the rope to the side and dropping the treats in. This would be the most cost effective method. Another option would be to have the neck portion of the container blocked from within by a rubber or plastic stopper so only the rope may pass and the treats, such as treats , cannot, making the only way to have the treats removed from the toy owner initiated.
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Scent holes can be omitted and the smell of the treats would only be evident through the opening of the container . A toy in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention could be marketed with or without treats.
Although the invention has been described by reference to particular illustrative embodiments thereof, many changes and modifications of the invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to include within this patent all such changes and modifications as may reasonably and properly be included within the scope of the present invention's contribution to the art. | |
This time I’ll make a bet. I bet that you leave at least a third of your lost points in the exam due to strategic and organizational mistakes. Rather even more.
Sounds Like A lot? It Is.
That’s why I’ve put together the seven most common mistakes during an exam for you. Avoid the following missteps and your next exam result will be significantly better than expected.
Mistake #1: You Just Start
After the processing time is up, many students start writing like crazy. They don’t want to waste time and want to make the most of the few minutes they have. But with this approach, they achieve exactly the opposite. They harm themselves because they approach the matter without a proper plan and throw themselves blindly into the fray.
It is much smarter and more sensible if you first get an overview of the exam. How is the exam structured? How many tasks are there? And which topics are addressed? Skim the exam, understand the structure, and then decide on a strategy for completing it. You should also observe the exam rules and comments from your examiner. These are usually on the task sheet or on an additional document. Sometimes they are also communicated orally. You can only ensure an optimal result if you know the general conditions of your exam.
Mistake #2: You Don’t Allocate Your Time Properly
Anyone studying today knows how important solid time management is. Without clever time management, modern courses can hardly be mastered. Oddly enough, many students forget this as soon as they sit in the lecture hall before their exam. After the reading time, they start answering the questions and fight their way through the exam. But in most cases, they don’t make it to the last task – because they don’t have the time to do it.
During your exam, you have to manage the available time well. You have to ration them strictly, schedule your exam and always keep an eye on the remaining minutes. Otherwise, you spend too much time on a task, set the wrong priorities, and lose valuable reserves for the rest of the exam. Therefore, at the beginning of your exam, set fixed time limits for each sub-task and use them as a guide.
Mistake #3: You’re Not Reading The Assignment Correctly
I’ve been working at a university for over five years and I’ll vouch for it: Many mistakes can be avoided if the examinees (and that includes you) read the instructions and background information from the assignment correctly. Many students overlook important clues or relevant information and therefore provide an incorrect answer or forget necessary aspects in their proposed solution.
Especially with longer word problems, you can only recognize valuable hints if you read the task carefully, underline it and take notes. If, on the other hand, you only skim the problem, you are much more likely to make careless mistakes that you will have to correct later, which would take a lot of time. In the worst case, you get completely bogged down, get confused, and can completely forget the points of the task.
Mistake #4: You Choose The Wrong Order
Before you start the exam, you have to clarify one question: Do the questions in your exam build on each other, or can the tasks be worked on in any order? In the first case, you should proceed chronologically, but don’t dwell too long on tasks that are giving you trouble. Skip these sub-steps and come back to them later when you have time.
If you are allowed to set the processing order yourself, you should first tackle those subtasks that you can answer quickly and safely. In this way, you collect the most points and can then approach the difficult tasks. This approach is a kind of risk management and prevents you from wasting your time with unclear or too difficult tasks.
Mistake #5: You Are Overly Perfectionist
Perfectionism can break your neck on an exam. Many students get stuck on tasks they have already solved for far too long because they are still working on the text, want to win a calligraphy contest, or need ages to sketch. Ultimately, none of this earns you any more points – it just costs you time. And you don’t have time.
You can’t afford perfectionism during an exam. However, make sure that your solutions are of such high quality that no points can be deducted for the style. Depending on the subject and course of study, partial points are awarded for this, which can be decisive for your grade.
Mistake #6: You Don’t Consider The Context
As soon as the exam begins, many students put on tunnel vision. They read the task and stupidly answer the question – until they get stuck at some point. The most common reason is: that they are unable to make transfer payments because they do not see the big picture. They do not recognize the connections within a subject area, even though they always had it on their screen while learning.
Therefore, do not write down your exam blindly. Try to place the individual tasks and problems in a broader context and in the context of the overall material that you have studied for the exam. If you bring this foresight and keep an eye on the global picture of your lecturer, you can understand the idea behind the tasks faster and get more points.
Conclusion
Many mistakes during your exam are not based on a lack of knowledge. They are strategic mistakes that result from poor planning and insufficient organization. These mistakes are unnecessary like nothing else – but with the knowledge of these point-destroying units, you will be able to approach your exams better in the future.
Keep calm at the beginning of your exam and get an overview. In order to enter the exam at your calmest, consider using an essay writing service to deal with the distracting academic load you have weighing on you. Manage your time wisely and keep an eye on the distribution of points. Read the task carefully, pay attention to connections and choose a sensible processing sequence. Don’t be too perfectionistic and adapt your planning flexibly depending on the exam.
If you avoid these mistakes, you will earn more points and suffer less from exam stress. You can work your way through your exam more calmly and retrieve more of the knowledge that you have previously trained yourself. | https://www.halt.org/mistakes-that-law-students-make-in-the-exams/ |
In 1987, Joey Meyer of the Denver Zephyrs hit the longest verifiable home run in professional baseball history. The home run was measured at a distance of 582 feet (177 m) and was hit inside Denver’s Mile High Stadium.
Has anyone ever hit a 600 foot home run?
No estimate has ever been given for its length, although it is safe to say it was easily over 500 feet, and may have approached 600 feet. A tremendous blast by any standards. In a single game Mantle hit two homers that were longer than most major league players hit in a career!
Who hit 500 foot home runs?
Glenallen Hill, 500 Feet (2000)
In his penultimate 2000 season, Glenallen Hill registered a career-high 27 home runs for the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees.
Has anyone hit 5 home runs in a game?
Five home runs in a game has been achieved four times: Pete Schneider (1923), Lou Frierson (1934), Cecil Dunn (1936) and Dick Lane (1948). In the pre-professional era, Lipman Pike also hit five home runs in 1866.
Who has the longest home run in 2021?
Longest home runs of 2021
- Miguel Sanó, MIN: 495 feet (Watch it)
- Tommy Pham, SD: 486 feet (Watch it)
- Yermín Mercedes, CWS: 485 feet (Watch it)
- Adam Duvall, ATL: 483 feet (Watch it)
- Ronald Acuña Jr., ATL: 481 feet (Watch it)
- Marcell Ozuna, ATL: 479 feet (Watch it)
- Ryan McMahon: 478 feet (Watch it)
What is the farthest HR ever hit?
Mickey Mantle once hit a 565-foot moonshot at Griffith Stadium. There are so many star players and fascinating stories behind the game’s longest home runs, including blasts off scoreboards, rooftops, in the playoffs and with exit velocities that would make your head spin.
Who is the youngest player to hit 100 home runs?
Mike Trout Becomes Youngest in MLB History to Hit 100 Home Runs, Steal 100 Bases.
Who is the greatest switch hitter of all time?
Mickey Mantle as the greatest switch-hitter of all time is a no-brainer. One of the greatest baseball players of all time, Mantle had 536 home runs, was a perennial MVP candidate and three-time winner, and is rightfully a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
How fast was Mickey Mantle?
Mantle, when batting left-handed was timed running from home-plate to first base in 3.1 seconds (the fastest time of any player in history), this is incredible feat. Mickey Mantle is the greatest late inning clutch hitter that ever played.
Who is the oldest team in the MLB?
In 1869, the Cincinnati Red Stockings became America’s first professional baseball club.
Who has the longest home run streak?
“More than anyone else, Dale Long can relate to New York Yankees first baseman Don Mattingly’s feat of homering in eight consecutive games. Long set the major-league record for homers in consecutive games while playing with the Pittsburgh Pirates May 19-28, 1956.
Who has hit the most home runs?
Career Leaders & Records for Home Runs
|Rank||Player (yrs, age)||Home Runs|
|1.||Barry Bonds (22)||762|
|2.||Henry Aaron+ (23)||755|
|3.||Babe Ruth+ (22)||714|
|4.||Alex Rodriguez (22)||696|
What was Mickey Mantle’s longest home run?
Two years to the day after his MLB debut – on April 17, 1953 – future Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle hit one of the furthest recorded home runs in history. It was that day when the term “tape-measure home run” was born, as one of the game’s best power hitters hit a colossal 565-foot shot out of Griffith Stadium.
What was Babe Ruth’s longest home run?
It was here, on April 4, 1919, in a game between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Giants, that Babe Ruth hit his longest home run ever — 587 feet. | https://hbqvbaa.org/competitions/quick-answer-what-is-the-longest-home-run-in-baseball-history.html |
Trinity School is an independent co-educational elementary school located in Atlanta, Georgia, serving ages three through Sixth Grade. Founded in 1951, the School is a non-profit, tax-exempt institution governed by an independent Board of Trustees. Since its founding, Trinity's vision has been to provide a nurturing environment in which to challenge students.
Trinity School includes the following:
During the 2015-16 school year, 636 students are enrolled. Trinity's 43-acre campus is located in northwest Atlanta.
Trinity students learn to become dynamic leaders in a school that offers a solid academic foundation coupled with programs in the arts, physical education, technology, World Languages, and extracurricular areas. In a society of different cultures, interests, perspectives, and talents, we prepare our students to grow into well-informed young adults who understand their responsibility to others and to the greater community.
The Mission of Trinity School is to create a community of learners in which each child can acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to achieve his or her unique potential and become a responsible, productive, and compassionate member of the expanding global community.
Complementing this Mission Statement is the Statement of Philosophy.
Trinity School is an independent coeducational school serving preschool and elementary age children. Founded in 1951 by Trinity Presbyterian Church and grounded in the ethical framework of the Christian faith and its Jewish heritage, Trinity accepts children of diverse backgrounds and provides experiences that foster mutual respect, trust, and cooperation among students, faculty, and parents.
Trinity’s philosophy is based on the following beliefs:
nemnet Minority Recruitment & Consulting Group Copyright. All Rights Reserved. | https://nemnet.com/ViewEmployerProfile.aspx?e=5003 |
How Many Weeks Old Are Kittens When They Open Their Eyes
As they get more acclimated to a world of light from total.
How many weeks old are kittens when they open their eyes. Kittens open their eyes and ears kittens come into the world with their eyes and ears closed and spend the first week or so of their lives blind and deaf. At around two weeks of age when a new kitten s eyes first open it s common for them to show signs of an eye infection. Kittens do not open their eyes until they reach about ten to 14 days in age but some do open their eyes as early as 7 to 10 days.
They usually open when the kittens are between 8 and 14 days old. Their sight is dramatically under developed and it takes several weeks for them to grow into the eagle eye sight that cats are known for. As their sight is still developing and their ears are gaining their hearing kittens don t take their first wobbly little steps out into the world until about 4 to 5 weeks old.
They weigh between 90 100 grams. Wembley is twelve days old and starting to move around. All the kittens pile together.
Vision will be blurred at first. Their eyes open during the second week but their vision isn t very good at this point and they ll need to be kept out of bright light says the spruce pets. Corduroy on day nine look at those blue eyes.
If your kitten has already opened its eyes she is at least a full week old. Its eyes will start to open and will be completely open at 9 to 14 days old. Causes and signs of eye infections in kittens.
As a kitten s pupils don t dilate and contract readily protect your kitten from bright lights. However they will not open their eyes widely. Newborn kittens start opening their eyes in the first week to 10 days of their lives. | https://planete-j.com/image/how-many-weeks-old-are-kittens-when-they-open-their-eyes.html |
Adults rate drug abuse and childhood obesity as the top health concerns for kids in their communities, according to the fifth annual survey of the top 10 health concerns for kids conducted by the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health.
In May 2011, the poll asked adults to rate 23 different health concerns for children living in their communities. The top 10 overall health concerns for U.S. children in 2011 and the percentage of adults who rate each item as a “big problem” are the following:
- Childhood obesity: 33 percent
- Drug abuse: 33 percent
- Smoking and tobacco use: 25 percent
- Teen pregnancy: 24 percent
- Bullying: 24 percent
- Internet safety: 23 percent
- Stress: 22 percent
- Alcohol abuse: 20 percent
- Driving accidents: 20 percent
- Sexting: 20 percent
The poll also found that adults’ perceptions of top health problems for children in their own communities differ by race/ethnicity. The poll found that for both blacks and Hispanics, drug abuse was their top health concern, at 44 and 49 percent, respectively. However, drug abuse for white populations came in second at 28 percent, while childhood obesity came in first at 30 percent. Meanwhile, 44 percent of both blacks and Hispanics chose childhood obesity as their concern. When ranking smoking and tobacco use, 36 percent of blacks and 22 percent of whites both ranked this issue at number three, and 35 percent of Hispanics ranked it at number eight. | https://hin.com/blog/2011/08/17/adults%E2%80%99-top-10-health-concerns-for-kids/ |
“Average indexed monthly earnings” are frequently used to calculate Social Security payments. This average represents the indexed wages of a worker over a 35-year period. We use this average and a method to calculate the main insurance sum (PIA).
Similarly, Is Social Security based on the last 5 years of work?
A: Your Social Security benefit is calculated using your 35 best years of employment. According to Andy Landis, author of Social Security: The Inside Story, 2016 Edition, whether we like it or not, if you don’t have 35 years of employment, the Social Security Administration (SSA) still utilizes 35 years and posts zeros for the years that are absent.
Also, it is asked, How many years do you have to work to get maximum Social Security?
35 years
Secondly, How do they figure your Social Security benefits?
You may calculate your Social Security payments in one of four ways: Create an account on the official Social Security website and utilize its calculators, visit a Social Security office to receive an estimate, calculate your benefits yourself, allow the SSA do it for you, or all of the above.
Also, How much Social Security will I get if I make $40000?
Individuals who earn $40,000 contribute taxes on their whole salary to the Social Security system. The amount needed to reach the maximum amount of Social Security payroll taxes is more than three times that. Given the current tax rate of 6.2 percent, $2,480 will be deducted from your paycheck and paid to Social Security.
People also ask, Is it better to take Social Security at 62 or 67?
Yes, to answer briefly. The monthly payments received by retirees who start taking Social Security at age 62 as opposed to the full retirement age (67 for those born in 1960 or later) would typically be 30% lower. Therefore, waiting to file until age 67 will result in a bigger monthly check.
Related Questions and Answers
How much Social Security will I get if I make 60000 a year?
If you retire at full retirement age, you will get a monthly benefit of $2,096.48. To put it another way, Social Security will replace around 42% of your previous $60,000 in earnings. That is much better than the average unemployment rate of 26 percent for those earning $120,000 annually.
How much Social Security will I get if I make $120000 a year?
Here is your estimated monthly benefit if your annual salary is $120,000. This would result in an initial monthly income at full retirement age of $2,920 based on the Social Security benefit calculation discussed in the preceding section.
How much Social Security will I get if I make $100000 a year?
Here are the Social Security benefits you’ll get if your annual income ranges from $30,000 to $100,000. Around $1,544 is the average Social Security payout. In order to help retirees manage their budgets in the face of rising inflation, up to a 6% cost-of-living increase is anticipated in their 2022 checks.
How much will I get from Social Security if I make 20 000?
If you worked for half a lifetime and made $20,000, your average monthly salary would be $833. In this situation, if you retire at full retirement age, your Social Security payout will be a full 90% of that sum, or roughly $750 per month.
What is the highest Social Security payment?
The maximum benefit is based on your retirement age. For instance, if you reach full retirement age in 2022 and decide to retire, your maximum benefit will be $3,345. However, your maximum benefit would be $2,364 if you retired at age 62 in 2022. The highest benefit you might get in 2022 if you retired at age 70 would be $4,194.
How much Social Security will I get if I make $50000 a year?
According to the AARP calculator, a person who was born on January 1, 1960, and who has earned an average of $50,000 per year, will receive a monthly benefit of $1,338 if they apply for Social Security at age 62, $1,911 when they reach full retirement age (in this case, age 67), or $2,370 when they turn 70.
What is the average Social Security check at age 65?
At age 65: $2,993. At age 66: $3,240. At age 70: $4,194.
What is a reasonable amount of money to retire with?
There are many general guidelines provided by retirement experts on how much you should save: close to $1 million, 80% to 90% of your yearly pre-retirement income, and 12 times your pre-retirement wage.
Can I draw Social Security at 62 and still work full time?
You are permitted to work while receiving Social Security retirement or survivors benefits. However, your benefits will be diminished if you’re under full retirement age and make too much money.
How is Social Security calculated if I only worked 20 years?
For instance, if you worked for a total of 20 years, the Social Security Administration (SSA) would sum up your earnings from all 20 years of employment (after accounting for inflation) and subtract 15 years of no pay.
What is the best month to start Social Security?
You may apply in September if you want your benefits to start in January. The month after the month in which Social Security payments are due is when they are paid. If you are entitled to benefits for the month of December, your first check will arrive in January.
What is the average Social Security check at age 62?
The monthly benefit amount for retired employees claiming benefits at age 62 and earning the average pay was $1,480 per month for the worker alone, according to the SSA’s 2021 Annual Statistical Supplement. At age 62, the benefit amount for employees with claiming spouses was $2,170.
When a husband dies does the wife get his Social Security?
Examples of advantages survivors may get include the following: Widow or widower, at least at full retirement age, receives 100% of the dead worker’s pension. 60-year-old widow or widower receives 7112 to 99 percent of the deceased worker’s base pay. 7112% of widows or widowers who are 50 to 59 years old and disabled.
Is Social Security based on lifetime earnings?
Based on their career earnings, Social Security replaces a portion of your pre-retirement income. Depending on how much you earn and when you decide to begin receiving benefits, Social Security replaces a different percentage of your pre-retirement income depending on your top 35 years of earnings.
How much Social Security will I get if I make $125000 a year?
You can see that a high-income worker’s compensation does not include much Social Security. Less than 30% of those earning $125,000 year will have their pre-retirement income replaced by Social Security.
How many quarters do you need for full Social Security benefits?
forty quarters
What is the average Social Security check?
Additionally, most individuals aren’t performing well in terms of future savings: According to a 2020 NIRS survey, 40% of Americans depend only on Social Security for retirement income. A worker’s average yearly Social Security payout is close to $20,000, which is not enough for most seniors to get by.
What is the lowest Social Security payment?
In 1973, the first monthly complete special minimum PIA was set at $170. Its value has risen along with price increases from 1979 and is now $886 per month in 2020. In the early 1990s, there were around 200,000 recipients receiving the special minimum PIA. In 2019, there were approximately 32,100 beneficiaries.
How much Social Security will I get if I make 200k a year?
Workers who make $200,000 annually earn far more than the Social Security pay base ceiling, which will increase to $127,200 in 2017.
Can I take my Social Security in a lump sum?
What exactly is a Social Security lump-sum death benefit? The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees and receives government funding for Social Security’s Lump Sum Death Payment (LSDP) (SSA). If they satisfy specific criteria, a surviving spouse or child may be eligible for a special lump-sum death payment of $255.
Do married couples get two Social Security checks?
Not as long as both spouses are benefiting personally. Depending on their individual earnings histories and the age at when they filed for benefits, both may be eligible to receive retirement payments. No payment affects or cancels out another.
Can you live on Social Security alone?
Even though it’s not advised, it is possible to live exclusively off of social security income in retirement. | Only pensions and retirement savings were intended to be complemented by Social Security. That’s no longer the case for many, however.
What does 40 credits mean for Social Security?
Earning 40 Social Security credits satisfies the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of “enough labor.” More precisely, in 2022, a person may earn up to four credits per year and get one credit for every $1,510 in income. Thus, 40 credits are equivalent to nearly 10 years of labour.
How much money do you need to retire with 40000 a year income?
The 4% Principle Let’s take the example of supposing you would need $40,000 per year in retirement. According to the 4 percent rule, you would need $1,000,000, or 25 times your yearly costs, to retire. When you achieved that objective, you would withdraw $40,000 in the first year.
Conclusion
Social Security is calculated by averaging your work history over a period of time. If you only worked for 10 years, you would receive $1,000 per year.
This Video Should Help: | https://mistersocialsecurity.com/how-is-your-social-security-calculated/ |
OK, I know what you're thinking -- the old boy's been standing over the exhaust stack too long. Fun with available heat? I've got more exciting things to do -- like watching paint dry.
But, wait a minute. The old available heat chart can tell you a lot more than just the efficiency of the combustion process. You just gotta know how to look at it.
Fun Thing #1.Predicting Immersion Tube Exhaust Temperatures. Say you're about to install a parts washer, and you want to know how hot the tube stack will be at the point where it will pass out through the roof. To find out, all you need to know is the tube's thermal efficiency and the percent excess air at which the burner will operate. (If in doubt, use 10%.) Say the tube efficiency is 70% -- that's a common rating. Start at 70% on the left-hand side of figure 1, read across to the 10% excess air line, and down to the exhaust temperature, which, in this case, is about 870oF (466 oC). This number is the highest it can be -- at the roof line, it may actually be a little cooler because the stack will lose some heat along its length.
By the way, this only works on immersion tubes -- the efficiency of an immersion tube ignores tank wall, evaporation and other losses. It's also okay for a rough estimate of boiler stack temperatures (you'll be a little low on the temperature). But, don't use it on ovens and furnaces -- it just doesn't work very well for them. Can't have it all.
Fun Thing #2.Estimating Burner Flame Temperature. Actually, you can measure the temperature of the mixture of hot combustion products just past the flame tip. Start with the percentage excess air at which the burner will operate -- let's use 250%. Follow that excess air line down to the bottom of figure 1, where available heat equals zero. That's the combustion gas temperature: 1,300oF (704oC) in this case.
Go to 700oF on the bottom of figure 1, read up to the 50% excess air line and then across to the available heat, which is 68%. Do it again, but this time, use the 10% excess air line. Available heat will be 74% with the new burner. Figure your fuel savings with this equation:
% Savings = 100 x [1 - (AHb / AHa)]
where AHbis the available heat before the change was made, and AHais the available heat after the change.
Plugging in the numbers from this scenario, we get:
% Savings = 100 x [1 - (68 /74)] = 8.1%
Remember, this saving applies only for the time the boiler is operating at high fire. At reduced firing rates, the stack temperature and percentage excess air are likely to be different.
Fun Thing #4.Comparing the Effect of Excess Air on Fuel Savings at Different Temperatures. Okay, I'm reaching for this one, but pretend you're curious about what effect the same change in excess air would have on fuel economy at a higher process exhaust temperature -- 2,000oF (1,093oC), for example. Go back to the chart, and you'll find that available heat is 25% at 50% excess air. That's AHb. At 10% excess air, AHais 40%. Plug 'em into the equation, and it goes like this:
% Savings = 100 x [1 - (25 /40)] = 38%
Which just verifies something most people have known for a long time -- the higher the process temperature, the more important it is to control ratios closely. | https://www.process-heating.com/articles/86229-fun-with-available-heat |
Use this guide to help create equations in Microsoft Excel. Learn about averages, functions, and writing your own equations.
Step 1 - Preparing to enter an equation - You are ready to build your own function (an equation). There is a single keystroke that informs Excel of your intention. Press the equal key (=). If you can write the equation, Excel can perform the calculation. This module will deal with four simple functions; add, subtract, multiply and divide.
Step 2 - Writing an addition equation - If you were to state the process for adding the numbers in column B it would be "six plus three." The equation could be written exactly like that ( =6+3 ) and Excel would display the expected answer, 9. However that equation would be useless if the numbers in either B2 or B3 were changed. When writing your own equation, use cell addresses.=B2+B3
When writing the equation, clicking in cell B2 displays B2 in the equation. If you have written the equation correctly you may accept it by pressing the Enter/Return key or by clicking on the green check mark. If you change your mind, click on the red X to cancel the operation.
Step 3. Writing other simple functions - Symbols for the four basic mathematical functions are:
- addition +
- subtraction -
- multiplication *
- division /
Step 4. Task - Prepare a worksheet with the data displayed under Step 1. Enter the proper equation under each set of two numbers. Do not look at step 5.
No! Don't look yet! :-)
Step 5. Compare - Compare your results to those shown below:
This was not a math quiz, it was an equation writing quiz. If something was unclear ask someone near you, ask your teacher, then ask me .
Step 6. Combining functions - If you can write the equation, Excel can perform the math. To illustrate this we will write an equation which will add several numbers, divide to get an average, and then take a percentage of that number to provide a weighted component of an equation used to average grades.
Scenario: Bill took three tests scoring 88, 76, and 58. The average of his tests counts as half of Bill's grade. What number value has Bill achieved toward his term grade?
Next Module: Worksheet Basics - Percentage and Absolute Cell Reference | https://www.internet4classrooms.com/excel_equations.htm |
The Goa Government's decision to convert the South Goa District Hospital into a 250-bed COVID-19 treatment facility will kickstart the work from Friday. This decision has been taken as a direct consequence to the spike in the number of coronavirus cases in the state, which currently clocks at 21,630 cases. This is the third COVID treatment facility that is being set up by the State to haemorrhage the spreading virus.
New Treatment Facility
The hospital in Margao would recast as a COVID treatment facility at half the total institute potential. 250 out the total 500-bed capacity will be commissioned for the treatment of virus-infected individuals in the state which are growing at an alarming rate in Goa. As of now, an active caseload of 4,499 patients are being treated at the ESI Hospital in Margao (South Goa), the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) near Panaji (North Goa) and the Sub-District Hospital in Ponda (South Goa).
The Health Minister further elaborated that the third treatment facility in the state will have a consolidated workforce from the Goa Medical College (GMC) and Directorate of Health Services (DHS) and will comprise of a pool of medical officers, expert doctors, nurses and multi-tasking staff (MTS). The workforce shall have a jointly agreed upon rotational timetable by GMC and the DHS. Another decision to deploy the final year nursing students at Non-COVID health care centres has also been set in motion to designate experienced nurses for COVID duty. In tandem with the directions of the Medical Council of India, final year MBBS students will be deployed as hospital residents, the minister tweeted.
Besides staff, two 24/7 GVK EMRI ambulances would be stationed at the facility. This facility has been made available to transfer critical patients to the ESIC hospital which is about a km away, or to the GMCH, which is near Panaji. The state will continue to treat critical COVID patients at GMC while moderate COVID patients will be at ESIC and mild COVID patients at SGDH or SDH (Sub-District Hospital) Ponda. | https://www.knocksense.com/goa/south-goa-district-hospital-to-turn-into-a-250-bed-covid-treatment-facility-by-friday |
Personification is a literary device in which an inanimate object is given human attributes, which allows the reader to relate to it. In part three of Fahrenheit 451, Montag manages to escape the authorities and flees from the city to the wilderness. After floating down the river, Montag wanders through the forest, where he sees men sitting silently around a campfire. Montag acknowledges the serene, quiet atmosphere and is attracted to the peaceful silence of the men around the campfire. Bradbury then personifies silence by writing,
Montag moved toward this special silence that was concerned with all of the world (68).
Silence is personified and given the human attribute of thought because it is "concerned with all of the world." Silence is a noun meaning the absence of noise, and Bradbury's use of personification emphasizes the importance of silence in the wilderness, which contrasts with the loud, annoying noises in the dystopian city.
This passage comes after Montag has killed Beatty and has managed to escape, with Faber's help, across the river. The silence refers to the atmosphere of the campfire with the men (the book covers) around it.
The reason that it is a silence is that the men are at peace, I believe. In the city, no one was at peace. They were all trying to do stuff, to listen to the parlour walls or to go out and speed around in their cars or something. But they were never just quiet and thoughtful like these men are.
It is concerned with all the world because this is the sort of thing that all the world needs. It needs to have this kind of opportunity to be quiet and think. | https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/please-explain-the-personification-in-the-157841 |
Court orders Globacom, Bluemoon to pay ex-staff $9,125
The National Industrial Court, Abuja, on Tuesday ordered Bluemoon Ltd. and Globacom Ltd. to pay an ex-staff member, Mr Nnoke Dike, an accommodation allowance of 9,125 US dollars within 90 days.
The allowance as ordered by the court was per diem at 125 dollars per day for 73 days.
The Liberator reports that Dike was employed by Bluemoon (first defendant) and posted to Globacom (second defendant) in 2013 as an Executive Officer.
After confirmation of his appointment, he was transferred to Gloworld, Ghana, in October 2014, from where he resigned.
Dike had approached the court to seek redress after his resignation, claiming that his accommodation allowance was withheld on the premise that he was accommodated at an official quarters of Globacom.
Delivering judgment, Justice Rakiya Haastrup held that evidence before the court showed that Dike was accommodated by a colleague in an official quarters of the defendant in Ghana.
She said that it was not the responsibility of a staff member to provide accommodation for a colleague on behalf of the employer.
She said that in determining the case, the court adopted the sole issue distilled by the defendants in their written addresses.
According to the judge, the issue was whether the claimant had sufficiently proven his case to be entitled to 67,000 dollars at 125 dollars per day for 536 days, as he claimed.
Haastrup held that evidence before the court showed that the number of days the claimant’s accommodation was not paid for was 73 and not 536 as he claimed.
The judge ordered that the defendants should pay the claimant an allowance of 9,125 dollars at 125 dollars per day for 73 days.
She also ordered payment of N50,000 as cost of prosecuting the suit, against the defendants.
The judge said that the judgment should be complied with within 90 days after which the judgment sum should attract 10 per cent interest per annum.
She noted that per diem meant a specific amount of money an organisation could give an employee to cover living expenses when travelling for work.
Mr Victor Uma, the claimant’s counsel, had submitted that his client was employed by Bluemoon and posted to Globacom on July 7, 2003, as an Executive Officer.
Uma averred that the claimant’s offer of provisional appointment was confirmed on July 9 ,2004, and he was transferred to Gloworld, Ghana, on Oct. 28, 2014.
The counsel added that the claimant was paid per diem for 14 days at 125 dollars per day, pending the time he would be given an official accommodation in Ghana.
Uma said after the first 14 days, no official accommodation was provided for the claimant and his per diem was stopped. | https://liberatorng.com/%E2%80%8Bcourt-orders-globacom-bluemoon-to-pay-ex-staff-9125/ |
Random articlesTemperature Square Root Rules Volume of a Cylinder Dividing Decimals Distance Formula, Midpoint Measuring Area Area of a Hexagon
Multiplication sums are often presented as multiplication word problems, and this is the case with division also.
A hotel has 4 floors, each floor has 6 rooms, how many rooms in the hotel?
An employees drive to work, combined with the return journey, is 16 miles, and they usually
work a 6 day week.
How many miles do they drive in a week?
From the words in the problem, 6 is to be multiplied by 15.
With some multiplication word problems, it's easier to set up a multiplication sum with columns and rows.
The employee drives a total of 90 miles in one working week.
An electrics shop charges $120 for a model of TV.
If they sell 23 of these TVs in a week, how much money do they make?
|
|
1)
120
× 3
360
3)
360
+ 2400
2760
|
|
2)
120
× 2
2400
A sports shop sells baseballs that cost $3 per ball, if the shop makes $39 on a single day, how many baseballs were sold that day?
From the information given, 39 is to be divided by 3.
A total of 13 baseballs were sold on the day that the shop made $39.
At a birthday party, 112 sweets are to be evenly given out to 7 guests, how many sweets does each guest receive?
Each guest at the party received 16 sweets.
If a person works 40 hours a week, and earns $720, how much money do they earn in 1 hour.
Sometimes long division can be used.
The person earns $18 an hour. | https://mathlearnit.com/multiplication-word-problems.html |
Wheel Bolt Pattern Guide The easiest way to estimate the 5 lug bolt pattern, is to measure from the back of a hole to the center of the second hole. For a 4 lug wheel, measure center to center of two holes directly across from each other. Measuring a 6 bolt wheel requires you to measure center to center of two holes directly across from each other. First, count the number of bolts on the wheel well, then measure the diameter of a circle that runs through the center of each bolt. Put those two numbers together, and bam! You've got an accurate measurement of your bolt pattern. Part 1 Counting the Bolts Download Article 1 Park the vehicle and turn off the engine.
To find your bolt pattern, measure the distance as accurately as possible and then find the corresponding bolt pattern in the conversion table below. For example, if you have a 5 lug wheel and your measurement is 5″ then your bolt pattern is 5 x 5″ (5 x 127mm). how to measure bolt pattern Bolt Pattern Conversion Chart Step 4: Discover the Bolt Pattern Now that you have measured the amount C, you have to think about the P.C.D. It refers to Pitch Circle Diameter. It is necessary when it comes to measuring the 4 lug or 6 lug vehicles. The P.C.D or the bolt pattern diameter here is the distance you have just measured.
It can appear in either inches or millimeters, so be sure you know which one you're looking at. Bolt patterns in 4- 6- and 8-lug can be measured by going from the center of a stud to the center of the stud directly across from it. A 5-lug bolt pattern is a little more difficult to measure, but you can easily do that by following the diagram below.
To determine the bolt pattern on a 5 lug wheel, measure from the center of a wheel stud to the outer edge of the stud furthest away from it. Take a look at our diagram for an illustration of how it is measured. Large Ford Pattern | 5 on 5.5 inches Early Ford passenger cars use a 5x5.5-inch bolt pattern, which can also be listed as 5x5-1/2 inches.
Given in a two number system, a bolt pattern, also known as the lug pattern, is the measurement of an imaginary circle formed by the lug holes at the center of your wheel. The first number indicates how many bolt holes the wheel has. The second number is the diameter of the imaginary circle around the holes.
(4, 6, or 8 Holes) To measure between the holes on a wheel with an even number of holes, simply measure from the center of one bolt hole to the center of its opposite to determine the diameter of the lug pattern. Bolt Patterns for Wheels with 4 Bolt Holes Common bolt patterns for wheels with 4 bolt holes are: 4 on 4 4 on 9.44
This video will show you how to properly measure a bolt pattern on a 5-lug wheel.www.coyswheel.com (801) 426-4736
Before worrying about equations, remember, the easiest way to get BCD for a bolt pattern with even numbers of bolts is direct measurement. Strait across from one bolt or hole, to the opposite bolt or hole on the other side of the hub. There are only a few standard patterns, so you don't have to be super exact in measuring.
Use a ruler or a tape measure, measure the distance from the middle of one bolt hole, skip one bolt hole in any direction, and then measure to the farthest edge of that bolt hole. The number you get is the bolt pattern of wheels with odd numbers like 3 and 5. To avoid any issues at the wheel fitment shop, make sure you measure the rear and.
To measure a 5-lug rim, place the hook of your measuring tape in the middle of a bolt. Then, choose 1 of the 2 bolts on the opposite side. Pull your measuring tape to the outside edge to measure the bolt pattern. It doesn't matter which of the bolts on the opposite side you choose to use. Method 4 Offset and Backspacing Download Article 1
There are lots of ways to figure this out, but how can it be done accurately with what you have around the house? Easy, we show you in this video of our part.
Check out Discount Tire's video guide on how to measure a wheel bolt pattern. This guide also covers measurements and explains the difference between single and dual-drill bolt patterns. For more.
The bolt pattern consists of two numbers and looks like this (5x4.50) - the first number in this example, "5", indicates how many bolt holes or studs are on the vehicle. The other number, "4.50", describes the diameter of the circle formed by those "5" holes or studs in either inch or millimeter units (4.50 is inches).
The first number—five—refers to the number of lugs present, while the second number—four and a half—refers to the diameter of the bolt circle in inches. There is one more thing to be aware of, and that's the difference between four, five, six, and eight-bolt wheels.
For vehicles that use 4, 6, or 8 lugs, the simplest way to find its inner diameter is to measure the distance between holes directly across from one another. Using measuring tape or a long ruler, calculate the space from the center of one bolt-hole to the center of the one opposite it. This will give you the most accurate measurement.
The 6 X 5.5 Bolt Pattern or Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD) is made up of the stud count (6) and the bolt circle measurement (5.5), the notional circle determined by the center position of the studs. How To Measure 6 Lug Bolt Patterns. Measure 6 lug wheel bolt patterns from center to center distance between two studs that are across the hub from.
This is a video demonstrating how to measure the bolt pattern on an ATV or UTV.
When measuring to determine the bolt pattern of a wheel with an odd number of lugs, like a 5 lug wheel, you are basically measuring the diameter of a circle that would run through the center of each lug hole. If you are measuring the wheel the easiest way is to measure the distance between the center of one lug hole to the center of the lug.
How To Measure Bolt Pattern On Rims - The pictures related to be able to How To Measure Bolt Pattern On Rims in the following paragraphs, hopefully they will can be useful and will increase your knowledge. Appreciate you for making the effort to be able to visit our website and even read our articles. Cya ~. | https://iflip4.com/how-to-measure-bolt-pattern-on-rims/ |
Q:
How to replace part of a string in one row with a word from another row?
I am trying to fill in the template from a row with words from another column of the same row of a dataframe in R.
Here is an example of what I'm looking to do:
x <- data.frame("replacement" = c("two", "ten"),
"text" = c("we had <replacement> books", "we had <replacement> books"),
"result" = c("we had two books", "we had ten books"))
I tried using gsub, but it replaces all words instead of one:
x$result <- gsub("\\<.+?\\>", x$replacement, x$text)
A:
We can use str_replace as the documentation (?str_replace) says
Vectorised over string, pattern and replacement.
library(stringr)
library(dplyr)
library(magrittr)
x %<>%
mutate(result = str_replace(text, "<replacement>", as.character(replacement)))
| |
Yakutsk, 6.5 hours in plane from Moscow, is the largest city in the permafrost zone of Russia. It was founded in 1632 on the left Bank of the Lena river. Yakutsk is the capital of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) and has the largest port on the river. | https://obs.agenda21culture.net/en/taxonomy/term/118 |
Small computer reveals how Tahitian snails avoid violent predators
Cindy Gros Mission. An evolutionary biologist from the University of Michigan peers around as she walks through a wooded valley north of Tahiti. Most visitors come to this South Pacific island to enjoy the beaches and clear waters, but BIC is there for another reason. She has found her prey. There are white dots the size of a bean on the sunny leaves. Polynesian snail, A small snail with a big story on the risk and resilience of island species. Researchers are starting to understand how this species survived where many of its parents died, using a small computer the size of a grain of rice.
Over the past several centuries, especially since the 1980s, hundreds of Pacific Island snails have become extinct. They give a phenomenal explanation 40 percent Extinction of all documented animals. Isolated from the outside world, like the other flora and fauna that have evolved on the island Tens of millions of yearsThese species had little protection against the large number of invasive species introduced by humans, intentionally or unintentionally. In many cases, trying to control one invasive species by introducing another invasive species has only increased the confusion.
âWhat we can say about this family from a conservation status standpoint is very difficult,â says Brenden Holland, a conservation biologist at the University of the Pacific in Hawaii who studies land snails. P. hyalina.. âThese strains are poorly adapted to control invasive predators and tend to be a major threat. So over the past 40 years or so, very unusual levels of extinction have occurred. I have been seen. “
However, as cousins ââno longer exist one by one, P. hyalina, Currently listed as Vulnerable, but suspended. It was not easy. In Tahiti, formidable predators hunt them: the invasive pink wolf snail, YamahitachioAlso known as cannibalistic snails. These snails can grow 4 inch Long and impressive bursts of speed are possible: they can reach while hunting prey 19 mph A short distance away. The pink wolf snail is particularly terribly armed Radula (Appendages like tongues lined with teeth) It can stretch, extraterrestrialStyle beyond this mouth. The teeth themselves are stretched to scrape the meat more efficiently. “It can be devoured [another snail] It takes a little while to just beat the whole or the soft tissues of the snail’s body, âBick explains. “It’s a pretty brutal way.”
Native to the southern United States, the pink snail has been introduced to Tahiti, Hawaii, and many other Pacific islands to control another invasive species, the giant African snail. African giants can be up to eight inches long and were deliberately introduced to the region as a potential food source. Arrived in Tahiti in 1967. âIt grows fast and people once thought it would be a really useful source of protein,â explains the Netherlands. âIt turns out it’s teeming with pathogens and parasites. So people started eating them and started getting sick, then people stopped eating them and [the snails] I went out and started to eat it all. “
The pink wolf snail was introduced in 1970s I expect to eat African snails. Unfortunately, predators also like to eat a lot of other snail seeds. In Hawaii, for example, Holland study Wolf snails show that they prefer to hunt native snails rather than African species.
How Big and his colleagues P. hyalina I managed to survive this greedy predator. They deduced it P. hyalinaThe bright white envelopes of the dark pink wolf snail can help survive even when exposed to greater sunlight than the dark pink wolf snail. A transition zone that has given way to habitat that is sunnier than dense forest soil, such as an open area of ââtrees, can serve as what the team called a “sun shelter.” P. hyalina Able to withstand hours of bright sunshine, pink wolf snails are likely to overheat and therefore avoid the area.
To test this hypothesis, the scientists decided to measure the amount of light received by different species of snails during the day. Every morning for several days in the early morning hours, Bick and his colleague set out in search of snails.
When they found a pink wolf snail, the researchers stuck a small computer to its shell. This was the first field application for the Michigan Micromote (M3), announced in 2014 as the world’s smallest computer. (The engineer from the University of Michigan at the time Even smaller the computer. )
The researchers then took on the difficult task of monitoring the snails throughout the day while computers measured the animals’ exposure to the sun. âIf you look back for five seconds, you can lose out on the benefits,â Bick says of the relatively fast brownish wolfsnail. “They blend very well with leaves and soil soils.”
P. hyalina Snails don’t move much during the day, but tracking snails presents another challenge. The researchers were not allowed to adhere directly to the snails because they are a protected species. Therefore, I attached a computer to the sheet where the snail is placed.
Finally, the researchers’ hypothesis was confirmed thanks to this new field test. their treaty, Released in June Communication biology, P. hyalina The sun shelter may have saved because it was exposed to a lot more sunlight than the wolf snail. P. hyalina From his horrible predatory hands, or rather mouth extinction.
“Biologists and environmentalists of this generation are looking for new answers, so this treaty interested me a lot,” said the Netherlands, which was not involved in the study.
Bick believes this treatise shows why humans need to protect forest edge habitats and the solar shelters available to them. P. hyalina Unlike many other island species, this is a fighting chance.
âI think it’s a pretty exciting story,â Bick says. “Most of the time we talk about or about to be extinct, but we never talk about success stories.”
She sees P. hyalinaThe story of resilience as a small piece to solve a bigger puzzle: âGiven climate change, globalization and ever-increasing deforestation,â says Bick. âWhat do we need to survive in this ever-changing environment, this ever-changing world? | https://rednatura2000.info/small-computer-reveals-how-tahitian-snails-avoid-violent-predators/ |
Vegan Avocado Fudge Recipe
We don’t care how basic it sounds, we looveee avocados. They’re full of potassium, fiber, and lots of great vitamins, not to mention they taste amazing. They’re a great fat source that adds a rich, creamy, flavor to any dish. We put them on toast, salads, tacos, or mash them up to make bomb guacamole. Surprisingly, the creamy texture and subtle flavor also makes them a perfect substitute ingredient for a lot of classic dessert recipes too.
Growing up in Michigan, fudge is a must-have childhood treat. Well, now you can recreate the same rich and decadent dessert with avocados! This recipe replaces the condensed milk and butter typically used in fudge recipes with vegan friendly alternatives like avocado and coconut cream. AND, of course we blended some banana bread in there to take it to the next level.
After trying out this recipe, you’ll be saving your avocados for dessert instead of for your other meals! Here’s how to make it: | http://eatgonanas.com/new-blog/2019/6/26/vegan-avocado-fudge-recipe |
Premarket approval (PMA) is the FDA process of scientific and regulatory review to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Class III medical devices. Class III devices are those that support or sustain human life, are of substantial importance in preventing impairment of human health, or which present a potential, unreasonable risk of illness or injury. Due to the level of risk associated with Class III devices, FDA has determined that general and special controls alone are insufficient to assure the safety and effectiveness of Class III devices. Therefore, these devices require a premarket approval (PMA) application under section 515 of the FD&C Act in order to obtain marketing approval. Please note that some Class III preamendment devices may require a Class III 510(k). See the PMA Historical Background webpage for additional information.
PMA is the most stringent type of device marketing application required by FDA. The applicant must receive FDA approval of its PMA application prior to marketing the device. PMA approval is based on a determination by FDA that the PMA contains sufficient valid scientific evidence to assure that the device is safe and effective for its intended use(s).
The PMA applicant is usually the person who owns the rights, or otherwise has authorized access, to the data and other information to be submitted in support of FDA approval. This person may be an individual, partnership, corporation, association, scientific or academic establishment, government agency or organizational unit, or other legal entity. The applicant is often the inventor/developer and ultimately the manufacturer.
The regulation governing premarket approval is located in Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 814, Premarket Approval of Medical Devices. A Class III device that fails to meet PMA requirements is considered to be adulterated under section 501(f) of the FD&C Act and may not be marketed.
PMA requirements apply to Class III devices, the most stringent regulatory category for medical devices. Device product classifications can be found by searching the Product Classification Database. The database search provides the name of the device, classification, and a link to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), if any. The CFR provides the device type name, identification of the device, and classification information.
A regulation number for Class III devices marketed prior to the 1976 Medical Device Amendments is provided in the CFR. The CFR for these Class III devices that require a PMA states that the device is Class III and will provide an effective date of the requirement for PMA. If the regulation in the CFR states that “No effective date has been established of the requirement for premarket approval,” a Class III 510(k) should be submitted.
Please note that PMA devices often involve new concepts and many are not of a type marketed prior to the Medical Device Amendments. Therefore, they do not have a classification regulation in the CFR. In this case, the product classification database will only cite the device type name and product code.
If it is unclear whether the unclassified device requires a PMA, use the three letter product code to search the Premarket Approval (PMA) database and the 510(k) Premarket Notification database. These databases can also be found by clicking on the hypertext links at the top of the product classification database web page. Enter only the three letter product code in the product code box. If there are 510(k)’s cleared by FDA and the new device is substantially equivalent to any of these cleared devices, then the applicant should submit a 510(k).
Furthermore, a new type of device may not be found in the product classification database. If the device is a high risk device (supports or sustains human life, is of substantial importance in preventing impairment of human health, or presents a potential, unreasonable risk of illness or injury) and has been found to be not substantially equivalent (NSE) to a Class I, II, or III [Class III requiring 510(k)] device, then the device must have an approved PMA before marketing in the U.S. Some devices that are found to be not substantially equivalent to a cleared Class I, II, or III (not requiring PMA) device, may be eligible for the De Novo process as a Class I or Class II device. For additional information on the De Novo process, see the De Novo section of Device Advice.
The Center for Biologics, Evaluation, and Research (CBER) has expertise in blood, blood products, and cellular therapies as well as the integral association of certain medical devices with these biological products. To utilize this expertise marketing and investigational device submissions (Premarket Notification, Premarket Approval, and Investigational Device Exemption) for medical devices associated with the blood collection and processing procedures as well as those associated with cellular therapies are reviewed by CBER. Although these products are reviewed by CBER, the medical device laws and regulations still apply.
A Premarket Approval (PMA) application is a scientific, regulatory documentation to FDA to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the Class III device. There are administrative elements of a PMA application, but good science and scientific writing is a key to the approval of PMA application. If a PMA application lacks elements listed in the administrative checklist, FDA will refuse to file a PMA application and will not proceed with the in-depth review of scientific and clinical data. If a PMA application lacks valid clinical information and scientific analysis on sound scientific reasoning, it could impact FDA's review and approval. PMA applications that are incomplete, inaccurate, inconsistent, omit critical information, and poorly organized have resulted in delays in approval or denial of those applications. Manufacturers should perform a quality control audit of a PMA application before sending it to FDA to assure that it is scientifically sound and presented in a well-organized format.
Technical Sections: The technical sections containing data and information should allow FDA to determine whether to approve or disapprove the application. These sections are usually divided into non-clinical laboratory studies and clinical investigations.
Non-clinical Laboratory Studies Section: Non-clinical laboratory studies section includes information on microbiology, toxicology, immunology, biocompatibility, stress, wear, shelf life, and other laboratory or animal tests. Non-clinical studies for safety evaluation must be conducted in compliance with 21CFR Part 58 (Good Laboratory Practice for Nonclinical Laboratory Studies). To assist you in determining the appropriate preclinical bench studies for your device, refer to the applicable guidance documents and standards identified in the Product Classification database for your device type. You may also seek input from the review branch via the Pre-Submission Program.
Clinical Investigations Section: Clinical investigations section includes study protocols, safety and effectiveness data, adverse reactions and complications, device failures and replacements, patient information, patient complaints, tabulations of data from all individual subjects, results of statistical analyses, and any other information from the clinical investigations. Any investigation conducted under an Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) must be identified as such.
Like other scientific reports, FDA has observed problems with study designs, study conduct, data analyses, presentations, and conclusions. Investigators should always consult all applicable FDA guidance documents, industry standards, and recommended practices. Numerous device-specific FDA guidance documents that describe data requirements are available. Study protocols should include all applicable elements described in the device-specific guidance documents. | https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/HowtoMarketYourDevice/PremarketSubmissions/PremarketApprovalPMA/ucm2007514.htm |
KC Grande Resort & Spa-Hillside / Foundry of Space. Baan Suan Mook / SOOK Architects. Architects: SOOK Architects Location: Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand Design Team: Rujnumporn Keskasemsook, Nuttachat Kosintranont, Aumpika Amloy Area: 1,770 sqm Year: 2013 Photographs: Spaceshift Studio From the architect.
Baan Suan Mook is a small resort in the midst of pineapple field on the Hin Lek Fai hill, Hua Hin. The resort is surrounded by a countryside atmosphere, which is different from the other resorts on the Hua Hin beach. Phase 1 consists of 14 hotel rooms, function rooms, a restaurant and a banquet room. The owner wanted to build a resort on a plot of a land received through inheritance to generate income in the property which set to be increased in the value due to the dramatic rise of the real estate in Hua Hin. The old spirit houses of a household god and ancestor made by local farmer which found on the site, give a clue of vernacular architecture such as simply gable roof, wooden feature, Lighten by elevated ground floor and relax verandah.
Prime Nature Residence / Department of Architecture. Architects: Department of Architecture Location: Samutprakarn, Thailand Area: 480 sqm Year: 2011 Photographs: Wison Tungthunya Owner: Sakkawat Phongsphetrarattana Lightning Designer: Accent Studio Structural Design: Jet Structural Cost: 13 Million THB The owner’s brief for his residence seems at first rather simple – his bedroom on ground floor, another bedroom for his mother and sister on second floor, a large interior living space, and an outdoor terrace for the mother who enjoys outdoor leisure.
However, a great challenge comes with the site location. The plot is situated at a busy 3-street intersection in an up-scale residential estate that forbids the use of any kinds of fences. This constraint poses serious questions on privacy of the residents living on ground level as well as the problem of trespassing car headlights at night. In order to cope with the site limitations, a conventional linear fence is broken into series of smaller vertical planes.
Wonderwall / SO. Architects: SO Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand Design Team: Narong Othavorn, Veerachai Chaimongkol Contractor : Tachanop Banchongrak Area: 600.0 sqm Year: 2012 Photographs: Piyawut Srisakul The house is basically a living space with a huge open-plan and open space between indoor and outdoor, with the big wall cutting through the existing landform within the plot to create the sequential scenes, exposing to different space and functions.
The brick wall tends to lead the way from the front entrance, and also controls the visibility of each space. After climbing up the stair along the wall, the common area, which opens to the existing homestay villas, will be found, then paused before going up to the 2nd level by a small center court where will be used as an outdoor cinema from time to time. A.gor.a architects. Temporary Dormitories / Albert Company Olmo + Jan Glasmeier + Line Ramstad. Architects: Albert Company Olmo, Jan Glasmeier, Line Ramstad, Alejandro Buzo, Maria Nuñez and Eduardo Novo Location: Mae Sot, Thailand Construction: Ga Yaw Ga Yaw Students involved: Marta de las Heras Martínez, Luis Rodríguez Carnero, Alejandro Buzo, Maria Nuñez and Eduardo Novo Project Area: 72 sqm Project Year: 2012 Photographs: Line Ramstad, Allyse Pulliam The armed conflict that has persisted for decades in the Karen State of Myanmar results in a daily flow of refugees and immigrants to neighbouringThailand.
In the Thai town of Mae Sot, a few kilometres from the Burmese border, numerous schools and orphanages offer accommodation and education. One of these centers, the CDC School (children development center) under the tutelage of Mae Tao Clinic organisation, hosts more than 500 students. The lack of space, and in many cases, the need for immediate accommodation for new students forced the school to present a new model of temporary low cost dormitoriesthat are easy to assemble. Medical Training Center of Mae Tao Clinic / a.gor.a Architects. Architects: a.gor.a Architects Location: Mae Sot, Thailand Architect In Charge: Albert Company Olmo, Line Ramstad, Jan Glasmeier Project Year: 2012 Photographs: Franc Pallarés López Constructor: GyawGyaw The new training center is planned to be a campus of several building that will be grouped together on a piece of land not far from Mae Tao Clinic.
Despite the lack of development, the land has many advantages in that it is close to the Mae Tao Clinic and the Back Pack Health Workers Team office, yet is set apart from other developments, assuring security and privacy. Mae Tao Clinic is a humanitarian organization based in the Thai town of Mae Sot a few kilometers from the Thai-Burmese border. To protect these walls from the impact of standing water, a 30cm raised concrete slab, as a base, had to be built first. VNG Office / Openbox Company. Architects: Openbox Company Location: Bangkok, Thailand Project Year: 2012 Photographs: Wison Tungthunya Since the site was already very tight, the form was simply the shape of the site, stretched to maximum, build-able envelope according to regulation setback.
This turn out to be an unexpected opportunity to exploit unique form and space that would be difficult to justify under normal circumstance. The full envelope form was then carved at the front to create a triple height, open-air, arrival hall. The facade concept was created upon the concept and images of MDF and particle board production process. Pieces of small material coming together to form an image of dynamic, functional surface. The interior center atrium opens up through all office floors. With proper placement of building direction in relation to the actual sun path, the atrium is properly lighted with natural, indirect daylight throughout the day.
Kantana Institute / Bangkok Project Company. Architects: Bangkok Project Company Limited Location: Nakhon Pathom Province, Thailand Client: Kantana Edutainment (International) Co., Ltd.
Project Team: Boonserm Premthada, Ittidej Lirapirom, Piyasak Mookmaenmuan Budget: 1,000,000 USD Area: 2,000 sqm Year of Completion: 2011 Photographs: Spaceshift Studio, Pirak Anurakyawachon Kantana Institute: Film and Animation Undergraduate School Kantana Institute is a Film and Animation school of undergraduates. The Institute is dedicated to the master of drama in Thailand – Pradit Kaljareuk. It is located in Kantana Movie Town in Kakhonprathom province. It is a one story building which combines perfectly with the beautiful natural environment that surrounds it. Makeshift Refuge in Bangkok.
Hua-Hin Hut / Sea Monkey Coconut. Architect: Sea Monkey Coconut Location: Hua Hin, Prajuab kirihhan, Thailand Project Year: 2011 Photographs: Wachirasak Maneewatanaperk For us, this renovation project was not just to make the building looks better but to find a possibility of enhancing the relationship between existing spaces, in and out.
The change of use has a big impact on all elements that define spaces. Hua Hin Hut is a conversion of a small warehouse in Hua Hin, Thailand to be a house. The idea is to setting up the dwelling unit on the site where the dweller can live, work, growing food in order to reduce a traveling distance in everyday life. We started the project by looking at the opportunity to open up this enclosed building. Text provided by Sea Monkey Coconut. Kukrit Institute / De‐Sign Science.
Architects: De‐Sign Science Location: Bangkok, Thailand Project leader: Dr.
Rapit Suvanajata Design Team: Jakwida Juntanawarangkul, Kanokwan Innara Project Area: 3,500 sqm Project Year: 2011 Photographs: Courtesy of De‐Sign Science The Kukrit Institute is part of the government‐led project to create quality places in the Bangkok city centre. Vertical Living Gallery / Shma + Sansiri PCL + SdA. Architects: Shma + Sansiri PCL + SdA Location: Bangkok, Thailand Project Year: 2011 Projecta Area: 430 sqm Photographs: Wison Tungthunya Bring nature along as you move upwards.
While Bangkok living ground has been rising, little of the green area rises with it. This green envelope is designed for condominium sale office gallery, a place where a new urban living definition is displayed. The module green wall crate is made from stainless steel for easy construction. Hanging plant pots and drip irrigation are installed behind the felt. . * Location to be used only as a reference. Hilltop House / Openbox Company. Located on the edge of Thailand’s largest national park, Kaoyai National Park, the design for the Hilltop House revolved around the rocky and forested landscape. Hilltop House is a small house in a big plot of land; the total site area is approximately 8,000 sqm. The first requirement from the client was simply to design a 350 sqm house, and find the best spot for it.
Panyaden School / 24H > architecture. Architects: 24H > architecture Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand Client: Panyaden School Project Year: 2010 Project Area: 5,000 sqm Photographs: Ally Taylor Panyaden is a private bilingual school with a Buddhist approach that will accommodate 375 students including 10- 20 percent of local Thai kids funded by scholarships. The students will be the ambassadors to introduce green living into the lives of their communities. In addition to the Thai and native English speaking teachers, they will be supervised by experts in various arts, creativity as well as traditional wisdom such as local agricultural methods, specialists in tropical forest plants, cloth weaving and northern cuisine etc. Panyaden School aims to deliver a holistic education that integrates Buddhist principles and green awareness with the highly regarded, International Primary Curriculum.
There are two main types of buildings the classroom pavilion type and the sala pavilion type. Shophouse Transformation / allzone. Architects: allzone Project team: Rachaporn Choochuey, Sorawit Klaimak, Isara Chanpoldee, Namkhang Anomarisi, Tharit Tossanaitada in collaboration with Stefano Mirti Location: Bangkok, Thailand Project area: 650 sqm Project year: 2009 Photographs: Piyawut Srisakul Shophouse was the most common building typology of Bangkok during the process of urbanization of the city in the past century. However they are getting obsoleted nowadays because of city’s the transformation. Bangkok urban fabric is, nowadays, full of not-properly-utilized shophouses in most of the prime areas. The project is an attempt to experiment with shophouse typology’s transformation. The existing condition were two not-in-use units of shophouse in one of crowded area of Bangkok. TIERRA design. Soh Design Studio. Sala Visitor Centre / Soh Design Studio. Architects: Soh Design Studio Location: Hua Hin Hills, Thailand Client: Siam Winery Collaborating Partner: OSS Architects and Engineers Main Contractor: Effective Construction Interior Contractor: Pure Thai Decoration Project Area: 800 sqm Project Year: 2007-2008 Photographs: Courtesy of Soh Design Studio Design Brief Our vision was to create a building to behold the impressive vineyard against backdrop of picturesque mountains.
The design brief was to capture the beauty of traditional Thai architecture while remaining contemporary. Design Process There were two design impetus. We travelled around central and North Thailand observing modern and traditional architecture. Building Layout and Passive Cooling Concept Layout of the building is according to the rules of passive cooling system – large open walkways, platforms with openable doors and windows, high roofs, generous overhangs, elevated from the ground and plenty of in-between spaces for natural ventilation.
Lightmos / Architectkidd. Architects: Architectkidd Co. Ltd. Sunone / Department of Architecture. Architect: Department of ARCHITECTURE Co., Ltd. Alila Cha am / Duangrit Bunnag Architects. Ecological Children Activity and Education Center / 24H > architecture. 24H. TYIN tegnestue Architects. Soe Ker Tie House / TYIN Tegnestue. Safe Haven Bath house / TYIN Tegnestue. Safe Haven Library / TYIN Tegnestue. Klong Toey Community Lantern / TYIN Tegnestue Architects. Old Market Library / TYIN Tegnestue. TYIN tegnestue Arkitekter. Atelier of Architects. Integrated Field co.,ltd. | http://www.pearltrees.com/lorenzo.fassi/th/id7739125 |
Our client is looking for a candidate with extensive EWOS to MC experience to work on a project analysing datasets and creating emitter validation outputs scenarios for UAT Mod 1 Library Test Equipment and the UAA4 Library Test Equipment.
The successful candidate will also create training scenarios for both shore side training facilities and onboard training using the ES equipment's built in UAA/UAT onboard training input software
Required Skills, Qualifications and Experience:
- A degree or technical diploma in a related field, or work experience within the same field.
- Sound understanding of Radar and Electronic Warfare theory and principles.
- Experience and training with EWOS to MC, Royal Navy Electronic Support library test equipment, UAT and/or UAA including the use of the Palantir library matching process and the use of debug applications.
- Knowledge of output formats for the UAA4 and/or UAT systems, and knowledge of the overall UAA4 and/or UAT training philosophy for training scenario generation.
Essential Skills:
- Someone who can analyse EW data to produce to produce Radar modes to use in EW identification process for electronic search measure equipment.
- Essential, strong analysis, attention to detail.
- In depth knowledge of EW and Radar principles.
- Wide knowledge of RN ship borne EW equipment.
- Knowledge of EW data databases and supporting toolsets.
You will be required to hold a minimum of DV security clearance. If you do not hold an active DV clearance please familiarise yourself with the vetting process before applying.
Hit the 'Apply now' button to apply and to discuss this role further. We will be delighted to hear from you!
(c) Copyright Datasource Computer Employment Limited 2017. | https://jobs.mumsnet.com/job/627710/ew-assurance-analyst/ |
Full length Clone DNA of Rat hemochromatosis type 2 (juvenile) homolog (human) with N terminal HA tag.
Hemojuvelin, also known as HFE2, is a membrane-bound and soluble protein which belongs to the repulsive guidance molecule (RGM) family. It is known that RGMs function through Neogenin, a homologue of the Netrin receptor deleted in colon cancer. In mammals, RGM family consists of three glycoproteins which have discrete expression patterns and functions (RGM-A, RGM-B, and RGM-C). Hemojuvelin is expressed in adult and fetal liver, heart, and skeletal muscle. Hemojuvelin acts as a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) coreceptor. Enhancement of BMP signaling regulates hepcidin (HAMP) expression and iron metabolism. It plays a key role in iron metabolism. Hemojuvelin represents the cellular receptor for hepcidin. It may be a component of the signaling pathway which activates hepcidin or it may act as a modulator of hepcidin expression. Defects in hemojuvelin are the cause of hemochromatosis type 2A, also known as juvenile hemochromatosis (JH).
Papanikolaou G, et al. (2004) Mutations in HFE2 cause iron overload in chromosome 1q-linked juvenile hemochromatosis. Nat Genet. 36(1):77-82.
Babitt JL, et al. (2006) Bone morphogenetic protein signaling by hemojuvelin regulates hepcidin expression. Nat Genet. 38(5):531-9.
Zhang AS, et al. (2008) Neogenin-mediated hemojuvelin shedding occurs after hemojuvelin traffics to the plasma membrane. J Biol Chem. 283(25):17494-502. | http://es.sinobiological.com/Rat-HFE2-Gene-cDNA-Clone-full-length-ORF-Clone-expression-ready-N-HA-tagged-p125639.html |
6 Biological Advantages Of The DNA Double Helix Structure
The DNA Double Helix Structure was proposed by James Watson and Francis Crick in the year 1953 based on the X-rays diffraction pattern of Maurice Wilkins and Rosalind Franklin.
The DNA Double Helix is the structure of the DNA molecule as found in the living organisms. This consists of Nitrogenous Base, Deoxy-ribose Pentose sugar, and Phosphate group.
The double helix structure of DNA has two strands separated from each other. The distance between the two strands is just 2 nm.
The two strands wind around each other like a twisted ladder and is very useful in the super-coiling of DNA and make it more stable.
Each strand has the backbone composed of alternating groups of deoxy pentose sugar and phosphate groups. Attached to each sugar is one of four bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), or thymine (T).
Let’s know about the advantages of the DNA Double Helix Structure…
↓↓↓↓↓↓
- Here are the 6 Biological Advantages of the DNA Double Helix Structure:
Here are the 6 Biological Advantages of the DNA Double Helix Structure:
1. It allows the DNA to be tightly packed into chromosomes
One huge advantage of this Double Helix Structure of DNA is that it can wrap around itself to form supercoiled structures. This saves a lot of space for other biological activities to take place in the cell together with carrying a lot of genetic information as well.
DNA topoisomerases are universal enzymes found in all cell types from viruses to man. These enzymes act to regulate DNA supercoiling by catalyzing the winding and unwinding of DNA strands.
In each living human cell’s nucleus, there is DNA of 3 metre length. This allows the 7 billion base pairs of the DNA in each diploid cell to fit into space of just 6 microns across.
The DNA double helix in every cell is very tightly bound to an equal mass of histone proteins, which forms a repeating array of DNA-protein particles called nucleosomes. The nucleosomes are further packaged (coiled) to form a fiber of various nucleosomes.
This nucleosome fiber is further coiled to form a chromatid thread of a chromosome. In humans, each cell normally contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46.
Thus, the double helix structure of the DNA can coil and super-coil of its own to fit within a size inside the living cell’s nucleus. This allows the DNA to be tightly packed inside the chromosome.
This packaging is done to compress and squeeze the 3 metre long DNA and fit it inside the nucleus.
DNA is so compressible that a DNA helix with a diameter of 2nm (2 x 10-9 m) can be supercoiled to become a chromatid of 700nm (700 x 10-9 m) diameter or so.
2. It facilitates proper self-replication
Another important advantage of the DNA double helix is that DNA can replicate itself because of its complementary base pairing between the two strands of polynucleotide chains. This ensures that when the DNA strands separate to replicate an exact copy is created.
Yes, the DNA is self-replicating as stated in the Central Dogma of Biology. The Double Helix DNA structure allows the DNA to replicate itself very smoothly.
And whenever there is a need for replication a part of the DNA get’s uncoiled and when replication has successfully taken place that DNA again supercoils itself with ease. The structure helps it to do so.
When self-replication takes place, the DNA uncoils and then the two strands of DNA separate and each strand behaves as a template for the synthesis of a new complementary strand. This is also called Semi Conservative DNA Replication Model.
It’s said that new complementary strand is produced. This means that the base pairing of the template strand with the newly synthesized strand is complementary in nature i.e. Adenine of the template strand is joined with Thymine of the new strand and that Guanine joins with Cytosine.
After the replication has taken place, that part of the DNA again supercoils and takes a compressed shape.
3. It facilitates proper transcription to mRNA
The double helix structure arranges DNA in such a way that it has a template (non-coding) strand and the non-template (coding) strand. The non-template (coding) strand acts to facilitate proper transcription to mRNA from the DNA. That’s another advantage.
A coding strand is a strand that contains the codons. On the contrary, the non-coding strand is the strand that contains the anti-codons.
The coding strand is the strand of DNA that has the same sequence as the mRNA transcript.
During transcription, mRNA is synthesized from the DNA coding strand by having complementary base pairing.
Just like if Adenine is there in the coding strand of DNA then the newly synthesized mRNA strand will have Uracil in its base pairs. The same way, Guanine will have Cytosine, Cytosine will have Guanine, and Thymine will have Adenine.
This base-pairing is possible because of the structure of the non-template (coding) strand of the DNA double helix that facilitates transcription to occur simultaneously and properly.
For protein synthesis, messenger RNA must be made from one strand of DNA called the template strand. The other strand, called the coding strand, matches the messenger RNA in sequence except for its use of uracil in place of thymine.
4. It makes the DNA stable
The double helix structure of the DNA molecule arranges it in such a way that it is stabilized by various physical and chemical interactions within itself and its surroundings. That is another awesome advantage.
The Van-der-Waals force, hydrogen bonds between complementary organic bases, base-stacking interactions between adjacent bases, and hydrophobic interactions between the nitrogenous bases and the surrounding sheath of water stabilizes the DNA structure.
Also according to the 2nd law of Thermodynamics, it is seen that the double helix of DNA is stable because its formation leads to an increase in entropy which is indicated by the release of heat.
This also indicates why DNA is stable upto a temperature of about 76.2°C. Above 76.2°C breakup of DNA occurs leading to a decrease in entropy as indicated by absorption of heat.
Moreover, it is also to be noted that DNA cannot be that much stable outside the living cells. It’s because the pH (salt concentration) and temperature conditions found in cells are very suitable for the DNA to take the double helix structure resulting in a net increase of entropy.
5. It doesn’t allow the DNA structure to mutate rapidly
Yes, one of the biggest advantages of DNA double helix and its stable structure is that it simply doesn’t allow the DNA to mutate very rapidly. The DNA proofreading and repair mechanisms save it from being mutated as well if somehow mutation has occurred.
The mutation is a permanent alteration in the DNA base sequence, such that the sequence differs from what is found in most people or from its parents.
Mutations in the base sequence have resulted from errors that occur during DNA replication. Physical and chemical factors like UV rays, exposure to alkylating agents such as Ethylmethane sulfonate and N-methyl-N-nitrosourea can also result in mutation.
But the various forces like hydrogen bonds formed between the base pairs, Van-der-Waals force, hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions, etc. make the DNA strand more stable causing the increase in entropy.
Thus, the various chemical and physical factors must-have factors responsible to provide enough heat to the DNA structure so that its interactions can break leading to a decrease in entropy. This happens very rarely as the DNA is very stable.
If anyhow, mutations in the base sequence of the DNA have occurred from various errors during DNA replication then, there is the DNA polymerase enzyme that will proof-read to detect any wrong nucleotide sequence.
If any wrong sequence is detected, it will remove and replace the nucleotide right away, before continuing with DNA synthesis.
6. It makes DNA water soluble in nature
Thermodynamically DNA is a hydrophilic molecule meaning that it can stay with close interaction with water. The majority content inside the cell is water so the DNA being water-soluble in nature is very essential. This is one of the advantage of DNA double helix structure.
We know that the double helix of the DNA arranges itself into forming a structure where the sugar-phosphate backbone remains outside and the center of the DNA consists of various nitrogenous bases.
The sugar-phosphate backbone of the structure makes DNA negatively charged. The negative charge of the backbone, along with the (OH) groups on the deoxyribose sugar, means that the backbone is Hydrophilic as water can form hydrogen bonds with it.
On the other hand, the center of the DNA molecule is hydrophobic due to the lack of charge in DNA bases. Such hydrophobic and hydrophilic interaction with water balances the structure of DNA inside the cells.
The hydrophilic outer and hydrophobic inner of the DNA molecule make that DNA soluble in water. That’s how the rule of life is.
Moreover, scientists have also discovered that water molecules surround DNA only in a specific way by avoiding the interactions with the center part of the DNA which is hydrophobic.
Scientists have also discovered that the texture of this hydration shell depends on the water content and, actually influences the structure of the genetic substance itself. | https://onlyzoology.com/biological-advantages-of-the-dna-double-helix-structure/ |
More Young Women Trapped in Low Pay, Low Skilled Jobs Than 20 Years Ago
The number of young women doing low-paid, low-skilled jobs has trebled in the last 20 years.
The share of women aged 16-24 doing low-paid work, including office and hotel cleaning, has jumped from 7% to 21% between 1993 and 2011, according to the Trades Union Congress and the Work Foundation.
The Gender Jobs Split report also revealed that over the same period, the proportion of young men working in low-paid jobs also rose from around one in seven (14%) to one in four (25%).
The research discovered just one in a hundred young women worked in skilled trades in 2011, compared to one in five young men.
And four times more young women (21%) worked in personal service occupations like hairdressing, leisure and the travel industry in 2011 than young men (5%).
Despite being better qualified than their male peers, young women are still following employment routes that offer lower wage returns, according to the TUC and the Work Foundation.
"The gender gap starts early in working lives and is particularly striking in the lower half of the labour market.
"Young women tend to start work and remain in sectors with lower pay and fewer prospects," said Katy Jones, a research assistant at The Work Foundation.
The number of young people trapped in low-paid work has increased markedly over the past 20 years.
The report blames the huge rise in low-skilled work on the collapse over past two decades of middle-income jobs, such as administrative and plant and manufacturing jobs.
In 1993 a modest 3% of young women worked in skilled trades.
However, by 2011 this had fallen to just 1% compared to 20% of young men. The proportion of young men doing personal service jobs had almost halved.
The research showed there is also a big gender split in apprenticeships where young women take a much narrower range of apprenticeships than young men. They continue to dominate in traditional areas such as customer service, retail, health and social care.
In addition, young women are getting a lower wage return on their qualifications, according to the study.
Young women also see a lower wage premium for vocational qualifications: 8% for level two qualifications, compared to 12-14% for men.
This is possibly because many of the vocational qualifications young women opt for, such as social care, are relatively low-waged.
"While there has been a welcome rise in the number of females gaining qualifications, many still find themselves trapped in low-skill, low-wage jobs," said Frances O'Grady, TUC general secretary.
"This is because there are fewer good jobs out there and because young women are still being channelled down 'traditional' routes." | https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/tuc-work-foundation-youth-unemployment-low-skilled-518916 |
---
abstract: |
The 2004 Dec. 27 giant $\gamma$-ray flare detected from the magnetar SGR 1806–20 created an expanding radio nebula which we have monitored with the Australia Telescope Compact Array and the Very Large Array. These data indicate that there was an increase in the observed flux $\sim$25 days after the initial flare that lasted for $\sim$8 days, which we believe is the result of ambient material swept-up and shocked by this radio nebula. For a distance to SGR 1806–20 of 15 kpc, using the properties of this rebrightening we infer that the initial blast wave was dominated by baryonic material of mass $M \ga
10^{24.5}$ g. For an initial expansion velocity $v\sim0.7c$ (as derived in an accompanying paper), we infer this material had an initial kinetic energy $E \ga 10^{44.5}$ ergs. If this material originated from the magnetar itself, it may have emitted a burst of ultra-high energy ($E > 1$ TeV) neutrinos far brighter than that expected from other astrophysical sources.
author:
- 'J. D. Gelfand, Y. E. Lyubarsky, D. Eichler, B. M. Gaensler, G. B. Taylor, J. Granot, K. J. Newton-McGee, E. Ramirez-Ruiz, C. Kouveliotou, R. A. M. J. Wijers'
bibliography:
- 'burst.bib'
title: 'A Re-brightening of the Radio Nebula associated with the 2004 December 27 giant flare from SGR 1806–20'
---
Introduction {#intro}
============
The soft gamma repeater (SGR) 1806–20 is believed to be a magnetar — a slowly spinning isolated neutron star with an extremely high magnetic field ($B \sim 10^{15}~{\rm gauss}$; @duncan92 [-@duncan92], @chryssa98 [-@chryssa98]). On 2004 December 27, a giant flare of $\gamma$-rays was detected from this object [@borkowski04], only the third such event. For a distance of 15 kpc (@corbel04 [-@corbel04]; @mcclure05 [-@mcclure05] but see @nature2 [-@nature2]), the Dec. 27 flare was roughly a hundred times more luminous than the previous two such events (@palmer05 [-@palmer05]; @hurley05 [-@hurley05] and references therein). Analysis of a Very Large Array (VLA) observation of SGR 1806–20 seven days after the flare discovered a bright, transient source, VLA J180839-202439 (@cameron [-@cameron]; @gaensler [-@gaensler]), which is believed to have been created by the magnetar during the flare. This detection triggered a worldwide radio monitoring effort, whose initial results have been presented by @nature1 and by @nature2. In particular, it has been determined that the radio source was initially expanding with constant velocity $v\sim0.7c$ (assuming a distance of 15 kpc and one-sided expansion) and that, after day 9, its flux decayed as a steep power law [@nature1; @taylor05].
Here, we present observational evidence for a short-term rebrightening of this radio source which we model as the result of material shocked by ejecta from SGR 1806–20.[^1] We then fit the observed fluxes to this model, deriving estimates for the mass and energy of the ejecta, and discuss this model’s implications for the nature of the Dec. 27 burst.
Observations and Results {#obs}
========================
As part of a long-term monitoring campaign of VLA J180839-202439, we have observed this source every few days with both the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) and with the VLA. Here we focus on observations at 4.8 GHz from day 6 to day 63 after the outburst, as listed in Table \[fluxtab\]. The ATCA observations used a bandwidth of 128 MHz, and SGR 1806–20 was observed for $\sim$20 minutes at this frequency in each observation. For each ATCA observation, we calibrated the flux density scale using an observation of PKS B1934-638 at the beginning of the run, and calibrated the phase with a short observation of PMN J1811-2055 taken approximately every three minutes. To minimize background contamination, we only used data from baselines that included the fixed antenna located $\sim3~{\rm km}$ away from the other five antennae in the array. The VLA observations were reduced using the method described by @taylor05 in which final phase calibration was achieved by self-calibrating the SGR 1806-20 data. For both the VLA and the ATCA observations, the radio flux density of SGR 1806–20 was measured using by fitting the visibility data to a source whose position was a free parameter, fitting the visibility data to a source whose position is fixed at the location of the SGR, and measuring the peak brightness in an image made from these visibilities. In general, these three methods yielded consistent results, and any differences are reflected in the errors provided in Table \[fluxtab\].
The resultant light curve is shown in Figure \[lcurve\]. As reported in @nature1, at day 9 there was a break in the light curve after which the radio flux faded rapidly. Starting on day 15, the observed flux from SGR 1806–20 began to deviate significantly from a power law decay, and on day 25 the flux began to increase for approximately eight days. On day 33, the observed flux began to decay again but at a slower rate than between days 9 and 15. In §\[theory\], we model this behavior assuming it is a result of the source’s transition from the coasting phase to the Sedov-Taylor phase of its evolution.
A Semi-Analytic Model {#theory}
=====================
In this Section, we present a semi-analytic model for the evolution of the radio source created during the Dec. 27 giant flare. We assume a quasi-spherical shell of filling factor $f_b$[^2] and initial mass $M$ expanding supersonically with an initial velocity $v_0$ into a medium of mass density $\rho$, driving a forward shock into the ambient material. Initially, the newly swept up material is accumulated in a thin layer between the shell and the forward shock, and the equation of motion of this shell is: $$\frac{d}{dt} \left[ \left(M+\frac{4\pi}{3} f_b R^3\rho \right) v \right]
=4\pi f_b R^2 p,
\label{momentum}$$ where $R=R(t)$ is the radius of the shell, $v=v(t)$ is the expansion velocity of the shell, and $p=p(t)$, the pressure inside the shell, found from energy conservation to be: $$E\equiv \frac 12 Mv_0^2=\frac 12\left(M+\frac{4\pi}3 f_b R^3\rho\right)v^2+2\pi
f_b R^3p. \label{energy}$$ This approximation also works well during the Sedov-Taylor phase (@zeldovich66 [-@zeldovich66]), because even at this stage most of the swept-up material is accumulated in a thin layer just downstream of the shock whereas the rest of the volume is filled by a rarefied, hot gas at nearly constant pressure. By eliminating $p$ and introducing dimensionless variables: $$\label{var}
\tau \equiv \frac{t}{t_{dec}};~r \equiv \frac{R}{v_0t_{dec}};~
t_{dec} \equiv \left[ \left(\frac{4\pi f_b}{3M} \rho \right)^{1/3}v_0
\right]^{-1}, {\rm one~finds:}$$ $$\label{difeq}
\frac{d}{d\tau}\left[\left(1+r^3\right)\frac{dr}{d\tau}\right]=\frac 1r
\left[1-(1+r^3)\left(\frac{dr}{d\tau}\right)^2\right].$$ At $\tau\ll 1$, the solution to Equation (\[difeq\]) reduces to $v=v_0(1-0.8r^3)$. At $\tau\gg 1$, the solution to this equation asymptotically approaches $r=(2.5\tau^2)^{1/5}$, close to the Sedov-Taylor solution.
We assume that, at the forward shock, electrons are heated to an energy $\gamma_0m_ec^2=\epsilon m_pv^2$, where $\epsilon$ is proportional to the fraction of the energy density behind the shock in relativistic electrons.[^3] Electrons with Lorentz factor $\gamma>\gamma_0$ are assumed to have a power-law energy spectrum $N(\gamma)=K(\gamma/\gamma_0)^{-p}$ (we assume $\gamma_0>1$, which is fulfilled for $\epsilon>5\times10^{-4}[c/v]^2$), $N(\gamma)d\gamma$ is the number of electrons with energy between $\gamma m_e c^2$ and $(\gamma+d\gamma)m_e c^2$, $K=N(\gamma_0)$, and $p$ is the particle distribution index – which observationally is $p \approx 2.5$ [@nature1], a typical value for shock-accelerated electrons. Additionally, we assume that the magnetic energy density just downstream of the shock front is $B^2/8\pi=(9/8)\epsilon_B\rho
v^2$, where $B$ is the magnetic field strength, and $\epsilon_B$ is the ratio of magnetic to internal energy density behind the shock. If the number of emitting electrons is $\sim(4\pi/3) f_b R^3\rho/m_p$, one can estimate the emission from the swept-up material as: $$S_{\nu}=aKf_bR^3d^{-2}(\rho/m_p)\gamma_0^{p-1}B^{(1+p)/2}\nu^{(1-p)/2},
\label{flux}$$ where $d$ is the distance to the source, $S_{\nu}$ is the flux density at a frequency $\nu$, and $a=4.7\times 10^{-18}$ in cgs units. Substituting the above quantities into Equation (\[flux\]), one obtains: $$S_{\nu}(\tau)=11 \epsilon^{1.5}_{-1} (\epsilon_{B,-1}n_{-2})^{0.87}
M_{24} v_{10}^{4.75} d_{15}^{-2} \nu_{\rm GHz}^{-0.75}
f(\tau)~{\rm mJy},\label{flux1}$$ where $d_{15}=d/(15~{\rm kpc})$, the ambient number density $n$ is defined as $n\equiv\rho/m_p$ and $n_{-2}=n/(0.01~{\rm cm}^{-3})$, $v_{10}=v/(10^{10}~{\rm cm~s}^{-1})$, $\epsilon_{-1}=\epsilon/0.1$, $\epsilon_{B,-1}=\epsilon_B/0.1$, and the dimensionless function $f(\tau)$ may be found from the solution $r(\tau)$ to Equation (\[difeq\]): $$f(\tau)=r^3\left(\frac{dr}{d\tau}\right)^{(5p-3)/2}.$$ Both $r(\tau)$ and $f(\tau)$ can be found from numerical integration of Equation (\[difeq\]), and are shown in Fig. \[thepic\]. During the coasting phase ($\tau \ll 1$), the luminosity grows as $t^3$ and reaches a maximum at $\tau=0.78$, at which point the expansion velocity has only decreased by 22%. At $\tau\sim$ few, the luminosity decreases as $t^{-2}$; this is faster than the decrease during the Sedov-Taylor phase because the pressure within the cavity remains small for a long enough time and the expansion velocity decreases faster than in the Sedov-Taylor solution where the expanding envelope is filled by the hot gas. During the Sedov phase ($\tau \ga 10$), the luminosity decreases as $t^{-1.65}$. However, the rate of decline after the maximum depends strongly on the microphysics of the shock acceleration [@granot05]. We do not expect significant emission from a reverse shock in the ejecta since it was previously shocked by a collision with a pre-existing shell [@nature1; @granot05].
One can then estimate $M$ and $E$ as: $$M=4.4 f_b n_{-2} t^3_{30}v_{10}^3 \times 10^{24}~{\rm g},~{\rm and}
\label{mass}$$ $$E=\frac 12 Mv_0^2=2.2 f_b n_{-2} t^3_{30}v_{10}^5 \times 10^{44}~{\rm ergs}
\label{eneb}$$ assuming the emission peaked $30t_{30}$ days after the explosion. This estimate for the energy is strongly dependent on $v$, whose uncertainty is dominated by errors in the distance, not on projection effects. If SGR 1806-20 was at a lower distance [@nature2], these estimates of $E$ and $M$ would decrease significantly, though recent results by @mcclure05 support $d\sim15$ kpc. Additionally, $v_{10}$ is related to $f_b$. The expansion velocity of $v\sim0.7c$ quoted in the abstract assumes a one-sided expansion, requiring $f_b <
0.5$. Using the elongation observed by @taylor05, we derive $f_b \sim 0.1$.
Model Fitting {#analysis}
=============
To test the model in §\[theory\] and to use it to independently estimate the initial mass and energy of the source, we fit the observed 4.8 GHz flux densities after day 8.8 to:[^4] $$\label{model}
S_{\nu}(t)=S_0 \left( \frac{t}{\rm 9~days} \right)^\delta +
11~A~\nu_{\rm GHz}^{-0.75} f(t/t_{\rm dec})~{\rm mJy};$$ where $S_0$ mJy is the flux density on day 9, $\delta$ is the index of the power-law decay, and: $$\label{aeqn}
A=\epsilon^{1.5}_{-1} (\epsilon_{B,-1}n_{-2})^{0.87} M_{24}
v_{10}^{4.75} d_{15}^{-2},$$ as derived from Equation (\[flux1\]). The fit, shown in Figure \[lcurve\], was performed using a minumum $\chi^2$ algorithm, and the best-fit parameters (reduced $\chi^2=1.23$) are $S_0=52.4\pm1.3$ mJy, $\delta=-3.12\pm0.11$, $A=11.9\pm0.2$, and $t_{\rm dec}=46.5\pm1.7$ days. This model predicts that at $t\approx
t_{\rm dec}$, the source’s expansion velocity should decrease, as indeed reported at this epoch by @taylor05. The difference between the observed and predicted shape of the rebrightening could be due to several factors — e.g. anisotropy in the outflow [@nature1; @taylor05]. However, the fit is good enough that we can use $A$ and $t_{\rm dec}$ to express the ejected mass in terms of $\epsilon$, $\epsilon_{B,-1}$, $n_{-2}$, $v_{10}$ and $d_{15}$. Rather than eliminate one of these variables, we adopt an expression for $M$ which jointly minimize the power-law dependences of all five parameters, finding: $$M = 6.6 f_b^{0.57} \epsilon^{-0.64}_{-1} \epsilon^{-0.37}_{B,-1} n^{0.20}_{-2}
v^{-0.32}_{10} d_{15}^{0.86} \times 10^{24}~{\rm g}, {\rm and}
\label{mass1}$$ $$E = 3.3 f_b^{0.57} \epsilon^{-0.64}_{-1} \epsilon^{-0.37}_{B,-1} n^{0.20}_{-2}
v^{1.68}_{10} d_{15}^{0.86}~\times10^{44}~{\rm ergs}.
\label{energy1}$$ Here $M$ and $E$ are only weakly dependent on the ambient density, $n$ (which is difficult to constrain from observations), but are more sensitive to the shock physics of the flow, $\epsilon$ and $\epsilon_B$. The total energetics of Equation (\[eneb\]) suggest that $n_{-2}<10^3$. For $d_{15} \approx1$, $n_{-2} \approx 10$, $f_b\approx0.1$ and $v_{10} \approx 2.1$ [@taylor05], the estimated initial mass is $M=2.1\epsilon^{-0.64}_{-1}\epsilon^{-0.37}_{B,-1}\times10^{24}~{\rm
g}$. While $\epsilon$ and $\epsilon_B$ are unknown, we can estimate them from studies of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and supernova remnants. If the expanding nebula behaves like the relativistic jets produced in a GRB, then $\epsilon~\sim~10^{-2.5}-10^{-1.5}$ and $\epsilon_B~\sim~10^{-5}-10^{-1}$ [@panaitescu02], implying that $M\sim10^{25} - 10^{27}$ g. However, if the behavior of the expanding nebula is closer to that of a supernova blast-wave, the magnetic field and relativistic electrons will be in energy equipartition, $\epsilon_B~\approx~\epsilon$ [@bamba03], and $\epsilon~\sim~10^{-2}-10^{-3}$ [@ellison00], implying $M\sim10^{26}-10^{27}$ g. Since it is extremely unlikely that $\epsilon$ or $\epsilon_B$ is larger than 0.1, we are rather confident that $M \ga 2.1\times10^{24}$ g.
It is also possible that the ambient density is considerably different from $n \approx 0.1~{\rm cm}^{-3}$. Although the nebula initially expanded into a cavity $\sim10^{16}$ cm in size [@nature1; @granot05], by day 25 it had already expanded into the surrounding medium. If SGR 1806–20 is inside a stellar wind bubble formed by its progenitor (e.g. @gaensler05 [-@gaensler05]) or nearby massive stars [@corbel04], $n$ is possibly $\sim10^{-3}$ cm$^{-3}$, implying $M\sim10^{24}$ g. However, SGR 1806–20 is embedded in a dust cloud, $n$ could be $\sim10~{\rm cm}^{-3}$ implying $M\sim
10^{25}$ g. In either case, the uncertainty in $n$ does not change the order of magnitude of the $M$ and $E$, which are similar to those derived in Equations (\[mass\]) and (\[eneb\]) that depend on the time of the peak in the light curve ($t_{30}$) but are independent of the shock physics. As a result, we conclude that the Dec. 27 flare created a nebula with initial mass $\ga10^{24.5}$ g and initial kinetic energy $\ga10^{44.5}$ ergs.
Discussion {#conclusion}
==========
An inherent assumption in §\[theory\] is that most of the energy of the radio source is in the form of modestly relativistic or sub-relativistic baryons, as argued in more detail by @granot05. We postulate that the source of these baryons is the neutron star itself. The giant flare is caused by, and accompanied with, the violent restructuring of the magnetic field in which some magnetic field lines may, like a slingshot, throw away the matter from the surface layers of the star. Although the canonical picture (@thompson95 [-@thompson95], [-@thompson01]) assumes that the magnetic stresses excite predominantly horizontal motions of the crust, one can imagine that stretching of magnetic field lines initially buried in the crust may break the force balance so that some magnetic field line tubes will rise, together with the beaded matter, into the magnetosphere. Note that the magnetic field of $\sim 10^{15}$ G easily overcomes the weight of the column of $10^{14}$ g cm$^{-2}$ so that an upper layer of width $\sim 100\;$m may be expelled from regions with an appropriate structure of the field. If the fraction $\zeta$ of the giant flare energy, $E=10^{46}E_{46}$ erg, is transferred to the ejected matter, a mass of $10^{26}\zeta E_{46}$ g may be ejected. As discussed in @granot05, if all of the inferred ejecta were released from the surface of the NS during the initial “hard spike” ($\la 0.5\;$s) of the giant flare, the outflow would be opaque to $\gamma$-rays and the Dec. 27 flare would not have been observed. This can be avoided if there are regions on the magnetar surface from which radiation is expelled without matter, and other points from which matter is expelled.
One possible observational signature of this process is the detection of ultra high-energy (UHE; $E_{\nu}>1$ TeV) neutrinos from SGR 1806–20 coincident with the Dec. 27 flare. In this non-relativistic wind, internal shocks produced by significant variations in the outflow velocity within 0.5 light seconds of the star will accelerate some protons to energies high enough that they create pions through collisions with other protons. When these pions decay, they can produce TeV neutrinos. If the total energy in neutrinos is $\epsilon_{\nu} E$, where $E$ is the initial kinetic energy of the ejecta as estimated in Equations (\[eneb\]) and (\[energy1\]), then the observed fluence of neutrinos, ${\cal F}_{\nu}$, is: $${\cal F}_{\nu} \approx 1.2 \epsilon_{\nu,-1} E_{44.5} d_{15}^{-2}
\times 10^{-3}~{\rm ergs~cm^{-2}}$$ where $E_{44.5}=E/10^{44.5}$ [ergs]{} and $\epsilon_{\nu,-1}=\epsilon_{\nu}/0.1$ (e.g. @eichler78 [-@eichler78]). If $\epsilon_{\nu}\sim0.1$, this is much higher than the $10^{-5}$ erg cm$^{-2}$ typically expected from bright GRBs [@eichler94]. Depending on the exact values of $\epsilon_{\nu}$ and $E$, these neutrinos could possibly have been detected with current arrays, and the Dec. 27 event thus makes the best test case so far for testing the hypothesis of UHE neutrino emission from $\gamma$-ray outbursts. It is not expected than any UHE neutrinos will be produced in the forward shock generated by the outflow as it expands into the ISM [@fan05].
NRAO is a facility of the NSF operated under cooperative agreement by AUI. The ATCA is funded by the Commonwealth of Australia for operation as a National Facility managed by CSIRO. We thank Bob Sault, Barry Clark, and Joan Wrobel for scheduling the observations, and Roland Crocker and John Raymond for useful conversations. The authors acknowledge the support of NASA, the Israel-U.S. BSF, the ISF, the German-Israeli Foundation, and the U.S. DOE.
[ccc|c]{} 2005 Jan 03.83 & 6.93 & VLA & 80$\pm$1\
2005 Jan 04.61 & 7.71 & VLA & 66$\pm$3\
2005 Jan 05.26 & 8.36 & ATCA & 60$\pm$1\
2005 Jan 05.66 & 8.76 & VLA & 57$\pm$3\
2005 Jan 05.85 & 8.95 & ATCA & 53$\pm$1\
2005 Jan 06.24 & 9.34 & ATCA & 46$\pm$2\
2005 Jan 06.84 & 9.94 & ATCA & 39$\pm$2\
2005 Jan 06.84 & 9.94 & VLA & 39$\pm$1\
2005 Jan 07.90 & 11.00 & VLA & 28$\pm$2\
2005 Jan 08.19 & 11.29 & ATCA & 25$\pm$2\
2005 Jan 09.07 & 12.17 & ATCA & 21$\pm$1\
2005 Jan 10.07 & 13.17 & ATCA & 17$\pm$1\
2005 Jan 12.06 & 15.16 & ATCA & 12$\pm$1\
2005 Jan 14.08 & 17.18 & ATCA & 10$\pm$1\
2005 Jan 16.08 & 19.18 & ATCA & 7$\pm$1\
2005 Jan 18.01 & 21.11 & ATCA & 6.5$\pm$0.5\
2005 Jan 20.01 & 23.11 & ATCA & 5.5$\pm$0.5\
2005 Jan 22.08 & 25.18 & ATCA & 4.5$\pm$0.5\
2005 Jan 23.08 & 26.18 & ATCA & 5.5$\pm$0.5\
2005 Jan 24.62 & 27.72 & VLA & 5.0$\pm$0.2\
2005 Jan 24.81 & 27.91 & ATCA & 4.4$\pm$0.5\
2005 Jan 25.99 & 29.09 & ATCA & 5.5$\pm$0.5\
2005 Jan 27.99 & 31.09 & ATCA & 5.8$\pm$0.5\
2005 Jan 29.99 & 33.09 & ATCA & 5.5$\pm$0.5\
2005 Jan 31.82 & 34.92 & ATCA & 6.0$\pm$0.5\
2005 Feb 01.82 & 35.92 & ATCA & 5.2$\pm$0.3\
2005 Feb 02.82 & 36.92 & ATCA & 5.8$\pm$0.4\
2005 Feb 03.59 & 37.69 & VLA & 4.8$\pm$0.2\
2005 Feb 03.82 & 37.92 & ATCA & 4.8$\pm$0.3\
2005 Feb 05.91 & 40.01 & ATCA & 4.4$\pm$0.3\
2005 Feb 07.53 & 41.63 & VLA & 4.1$\pm$0.2\
2005 Feb 10.52 & 44.62 & VLA & 3.9$\pm$0.2\
2005 Feb 11.92 & 46.02 & ATCA & 3.6$\pm$0.4\
2005 Feb 12.62 & 46.72 & VLA & 4.2$\pm$0.2\
2005 Feb 14.80 & 48.90 & ATCA & 3.5$\pm$0.2\
2005 Feb 19.54 & 53.64 & VLA & 3.3$\pm$0.2\
2005 Feb 20.98 & 55.08 & ATCA & 2.9$\pm$0.4\
2005 Feb 21.61 & 55.71 & VLA & 3.3$\pm$0.1\
2005 Feb 23.99 & 58.09 & ATCA & 2.8$\pm$0.5\
2005 Feb 26.55 & 60.65 & VLA & 2.7$\pm$0.1\
2005 Feb 28.85 & 62.95 & ATCA & 2.5$\pm$0.4\
![ The 4.8 GHz light curve of the radio nebula associated with SGR 1806–20 up to day 62 (2005 Feb 28) after the giant flare. The circles represent data taken with the VLA, and stars data taken with the ATCA. The dot-dashed line in the light curve are the result of fitting the data to the model described in §\[theory\] and whose parameters are given in the text. The dotted line shows the power-law component of the model fit while the dashed line shows the additional component due to the swept-up, shocked, ambient material. The ends of the dot-dashed line correspond to the first and last data points included in the fit. \[lcurve\]](f1.eps)
![Evolution of the expanding shell. The solid red line corresponds to the dimensionless radius, $r$, the dashed green line to the velocity $v$ in units of the initial velocity, and the dotted blue line corresponds to the dimensionless synchrotron flux, $f$.[]{data-label="thepic"}](f2.eps)
[^1]: The dynamical properties of this model are described by @granot05.
[^2]: The results presented by @nature1 and @taylor05 suggest the radio source is elongated and moving along the elongation axis – implying a one-sided outflow and requiring a filling factor.
[^3]: In the literature, the electron spectrum is conventionally parametrized by the fraction of the accelerated electrons, $\xi_e$, the fraction of the total energy transferred to these electrons, $\epsilon_e$, and the particle distribution index $p$. In order to avoid cumbersome expressions, we introduce $\epsilon=\epsilon_e(p-2)/2\xi_e(p-1)$.
[^4]: We only used data after day 8.8 in this fit because, as reported in @nature1, there is a break in the light curve at this epoch which cannot be explained by the model presented in §\[theory\].
| |
Only a couple of weeks are left for the GATE exam, therefore the students need to follow last-minute preparation tips to succeed in the exam.
1. Revision is a must
The last few days before the exam are not meant for studying something new. Students should focus only on those topics and concepts that have already been known.
Students should make sure to revise the concepts properly to succeed in the exam. Students should plan their exams in last 15 days wisely, so they can also prepare their Gate 2022 Exam with Oswaal previous year-solved question papers for GATE 2022 Exams. Students will get different learning aspects there like:
Students should not start revising everything from the scratch just a few days before the exam.
They should use the short notes for preparation that they have earlier prepared. This will not only save time but will also allow them to have a glance at every concept covered.
3. Focus on numerical
Numerical is the key area where most of the students fail to score well. To succeed in the GATE exam, students must have thorough practice in this area.
4. Stay motivated
No doubt, as the date of the exam approaches, students start feeling anxious.
Students should stay calm and motivated towards their goals. This will help them perform well on the day of the exam.
Final Thoughts
GATE admit cards are already available on the official website.
Students should download them at the earliest to avoid any issues. Only a few days are left for the exam, so instead of being anxious, students should focus on what they have learned and perform well on the day of the exam.
For further updates, keep on checking the official website and stay tuned!!
This story is provided by Oswaal Books. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/Oswaal Books)
DISCLAIMER
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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Only a couple of weeks are left for the GATE exam, therefore the students need to follow last-minute preparation tips to succeed in the exam.
1. Revision is a must
The last few days before the exam are not meant for studying something new. Students should focus only on those topics and concepts that have already been known.
Students should make sure to revise the concepts properly to succeed in the exam. Students should plan their exams in last 15 days wisely, so they can also prepare their Gate 2022 Exam with Oswaal previous year-solved question papers for GATE 2022 Exams. Students will get different learning aspects there like:
Students should not start revising everything from the scratch just a few days before the exam.
They should use the short notes for preparation that they have earlier prepared. This will not only save time but will also allow them to have a glance at every concept covered.
3. Focus on numerical
Numerical is the key area where most of the students fail to score well. To succeed in the GATE exam, students must have thorough practice in this area.
4. Stay motivated
No doubt, as the date of the exam approaches, students start feeling anxious.
Students should stay calm and motivated towards their goals. This will help them perform well on the day of the exam.
Final Thoughts
GATE admit cards are already available on the official website.
Students should download them at the earliest to avoid any issues. Only a few days are left for the exam, so instead of being anxious, students should focus on what they have learned and perform well on the day of the exam.
For further updates, keep on checking the official website and stay tuned!!
This story is provided by Oswaal Books. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/Oswaal Books)
DISCLAIMER
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) | |
March 14, 2017 @ 9:00 A.M.
The movie opens with a tone indicative of the film’s grittier, darker attitude. The audience is introduced to a much older Logan (Wolverine) and Professor Charles Xavier (Professor X). The professor has a degenerative brain disease and with a mind as powerful as his – it could spell disastrous results.
Spoilers may lie ahead:
As for Logan, he’s doing the best he can in El Paso as a limo driver, trying to save up for a boat that he and the professor can live on. They seem to be on the run, but from who is unclear.
The time in which this film is set is after the great purge of mutants. These two characters (along with a minor character named Caliban) feel like the only mutants left.
We soon find this isn’t the case. A young girl, named Laura, comes into Logan’s orbit and changes his path completely.
Instead of a boat and a lifetime of traveling the high-seas, Logan begins a road trip journey up north – to North Dakota of all places.
The reason? He is trying to take the spawn of his DNA to freedom – a place called Eden; essentially a safe-haven for mutants.
Do they make it? You’ll have to watch the film to find out; but yes spoilers on-line abound that both Logan and Professor X die at the end. Personally, I find those deaths less tragic and more a commentary on the fictionalization and Disney-fication of most movies these days – in that even when things end in total disaster everyone is still alive. In this case, the movie, although about mutant humanoids, feels like a more realistic take on the fictionalized super hero genre.
In one scene, Logan – driving a limo mind you – tries to ram through a barbed-wire fence to escape the pursuit of a henchmen of the man who created mutant children in a lab. What unfolds in the scene is pure genius. The comic timing and the realness of it all feels like something we haven’t seen in a picture in a while. The car halts abruptly as it slams into the fence. His multiple attempts to ram through fail. He ultimately puts the car in reverse and escapes another way. The car also appears to have an engine that gives them the speed and acceleration to evade their pursuers, but the limo does fish-tail as he’s driving through the desert – which once again, feels a bit more realistic.
Overall, I’d rate this movie four (4) out of five (5) stars. The interpersonal relationships between the characters is what makes the film a stand-out hit in my opinion. The scenes, the dialogue – all of it is pretty standard; but for an X-men movie this is something different than I’ve ever seen and it quickly became my favorite of the franchise for that reason.
There are a few different ‘Logan’ 2017 movie posters, most of which indicate the movies gritty darkness. This image was found on Google images.
Here is the hyperlink address for the #RedBandTrailer of the movie:
http://bit.ly/LoganRedBand
So, when you are weighing whether or not to see this film, here’s a few things to consider:
- Do you mind scenes of violence? In particular, can you handle gruesome sounds and sights? This film has a few parts that make even the most stalwart X-men fan cringe in pain or awe.
- Do you like the X-men franchise, but don’t mind another installment that takes a departure from the tried and true?
- Is Wolverine your favorite X-man? Is it because he’s a brooding bad @$$? …
Personally, our Executive Editor & Publisher of The Gumption, Matt Lewis, says he enjoyed the film; calling
it: “A refreshing departure from the X-men franchise, with just enough violence to appease rowdy male fans and just enough story to be a date movie.”
The film was released in the Spring of 2017 (March 3rd to be specific) and has seen it’s debut earn nearly $250 million worldwide, according to The Hollywood Reporter‘s story (‘Logan’s’ Box Office Climb Even Higher to Huge $88.3M U.S. Debut, $247.3 Globally). | https://thegilbertgumption.com/2017/03/19/logan-film-departure-of-x-men-series/ |
---
abstract: 'We give an excluded-minor characterization for the class of matroids $M$ in which $M\backslash e$ or $M/e$ is binary for all $e$ in $E(M)$. This class is closely related to the class of matroids in which every member is binary or can be obtained from a binary matroid by relaxing a circuit-hyperplane. We also provide an excluded-minor characterization for the second class.'
address:
- 'Department of Mathematics, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA'
- 'Department of Mathematics, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA'
author:
- James Oxley
- Jesse Taylor
date: 'July 24, 2013'
title: On two classes of nearly binary matroids
---
=1
[^1]
Introduction
============
The class of binary matroids is one of the most widely studied classes of matroids and its members have numerous attractive properties. This motivates the study of classes of matroids whose members are close to being binary. In this paper, we consider one very natural such minor-closed class $\mathcal{Z}$, which consists of those matroids $M$ such that $M{\backslash}e$ or $M/e$ is binary for all elements $e$ of $M$. The main result of the paper is an excluded-minor characterization of $\mathcal{Z}$. This theorem can be restated in terms of matroid fragility, which has enjoyed a recent surge of research interest. Let $N$ be a matroid. A matroid $M$ is *$N$-fragile* if, for each element $e$ of $E(M)$, at least one of $M\backslash e$ and $M/e$ has no $N$-minor (see, for example, [@MWZ]). The class of $N$-fragile matroids is clearly minor-closed. The main result of this paper determines the set of excluded minors for the class of $U_{2,4}$-fragile matroids. Except where otherwise noted the notation and terminology follow [@book].
It is well known that if $H$ is a circuit and a hyperplane of a matroid $M$, then there is another matroid $M'$ on $E(M)$ whose bases are the bases of $M$ together with $H$. We say that $M'$ is obtained from $M$ by *relaxing* the *circuit-hyperplane* $H$ and call $M'$ a *relaxation* of $M$. A class of matroids that arises naturally in determining the excluded minors for $\mathcal{Z}$ is $\mathcal{R}$, those matroids $M$ such that $M$ is binary or $M$ is a relaxation of a binary matroid.
The rank-three whirl is denoted by $\mathcal{W}^3$, while $P_6$ is the six-element rank-three matroid that has a single triangle as its only non-spanning circuit. Let $Q_6$ and $R_6$ be the six-element matroids of rank three for which geometric representations are given in Figure \[q6r6\]. Evidently $R_6\cong U_{2,4} \oplus_2 U_{2,4}$. Let $K$ be the seven-element rank-two matroid that is obtained by adding elements in parallel to three of the elements of $U_{2,4}$. The matroid $K$ is depicted with its dual in Figure \[Ks\]. In Section \[prelim\], we note that both $\mathcal{Z}$ and $\mathcal{R}$ are minor-closed and dual-closed classes of matroids and establish some excluded minors of each. We also introduce Cunningham and Edmonds’s canonical tree decomposition of a $2$-connected matroid, along with some preliminaries.
Let $\mathcal{D}$ denote the collection of all matroids that are obtained from connected binary matroids by relaxing two disjoint circuit-hyperplanes that partition the ground set. The collection $\mathcal{D}$ is in both our sets of excluded minors. Section \[main\] is devoted to proving the main result and another related result, both of which are stated next.
![Representations of the matroid $K$ and its (rank-$5$) dual $K^*$.[]{data-label="Ks"}](Ks.pdf)
The set of excluded minors for the class of matroids $\mathcal{Z}$=$\{M:M\backslash e$ or $M/e$ is binary for all $e$ in $E(M)$} is $\{Q_6$, $P_6$, $U_{3,6}$, $R_6$, $U_{2,4}\oplus U_{1,1}$, $U_{2,4}\oplus U_{0,1}\}\cup\mathcal{D}$. \[nb\]
The set of excluded minors for the class $\mathcal{R}$ of matroids $M$ such that $M$ is binary or can be obtained from a binary matroid by relaxing a circuit-hyperplane, is $\{U_{2,5}$, $U_{3,5}$, $K$, $K^*$, $R_6$, $U_{2,4}\oplus U_{1,1}$, $U_{2,4}\oplus U_{0,1}\}\cup\mathcal{D}$. \[nb2\]
For an even integer $r$ exceeding two, let $M_r$ be the rank-$r$ tipless binary spike, that is, the vector matroid of the binary matrix $[I_r|J_r-I_r]$ where $J_r$ is the matrix of all ones. Labeling the columns of this matrix $e_1,e_2,\ldots, e_{2r}$ in order, we see that $\{e_2,e_3,\ldots,e_r,e_{r+1}\}$ and its complement are both circuit-hyperplanes of $M_r$. By relaxing these circuit-hyperplanes, we obtain a member of $\mathcal{D}$. Thus the sets of excluded minors in Theorems \[nb\] and \[nb2\] are both infinite. However, these doubly relaxed spikes are not the only members of $\mathcal{D}$. In Section \[compD\], we further discuss the complexity of $\mathcal{D}$.
As $\mathcal{D}$ shows, the class of matroids that can be obtained from binary matroids by relaxing at most two circuit-hyperplanes does contain an infinite antichain. Geelen, Gerards, and Whittle announced in 2009 that the class of binary matroids itself contains no infinite antichains. These observations raise the interesting question, which was asked by a referee of this paper, as to whether or not the class $\mathcal{R}$ contains an infinite antichain. It is not difficult to check using, for example, [@hine Lemma 2.6], that $\mathcal{Z}$ contains an infinite antichain if and only if $\mathcal{R}$ does.
Preliminaries {#prelim}
=============
This section first notes that both $\mathcal{Z}$ and $\mathcal{R}$ are minor- and dual-closed, and then determines some excluded minors for each class.
The classes $\mathcal{Z}$ and $\mathcal{R}$ are both closed under duality and the taking of minors.
This lemma is immediate for $\mathcal{Z}$ and is a straightforward consequence of the following result of Kahn [@kahn] for $\mathcal{R}$ (see also [@book p. 115]).
Let $X$ be a circuit-hyperplane of a matroid $M$ and let $M'$ be the matroid obtained from $M$ by relaxing $X$. Then $(M')^*$ is obtained from $M^*$ by relaxing the circuit-hyperplane $E(M)-X$ of the latter. Moreover, when $e \in E(M)-X$, $M/e$ and $M'/e$ are equal and, unless $M$ has $e$ as a coloop, $M'\backslash e$ is obtained from $M{\backslash}e$ by relaxing the circuit-hyperplane $X$ of the latter, and the dual situation holds when $e\in X$. \[relax\]
It is not difficult to deduce from the above result that the class $\mathcal{R}$ is contained in the class $\mathcal{Z}$. We say a matroid $N$ is a *series extension* of a matroid $M$ if $M=N/T$ and every element of $T$ is in series with some element of $M$. We call $N$ a *parallel extension* of $M$ if $N^*$ is a series extension of $M^*$. Note that this differs from the terminology used in [@book]. The following result from [@list] will be used extensively throughout the paper.
A matroid $M$ is non-binary and in $\mathcal{Z}$ if and only if
1. both $r(M)$ and $r^*(M)$ exceed two and $M$ can be obtained from a connected binary matroid by relaxing a circuit-hyperplane; or
2. $M$ is isomorphic to a parallel extension of $U_{2,n}$ for some $n$ $\geq$ 5; or
3. $M$ is isomorphic to a series extension of $U_{n-2,n}$ for some $n$ $\geq$ 5; or
4. $M$ can be obtained from $U_{2,4}$ by series extension of a subset $S$ of $E(U_{2,4})$ and parallel extension of a disjoint subset $T$ of $E(U_{2,4})$ where $S$ or $T$ may be empty.
\[class\]
Let $EX(\mathcal{M})$ denote the class of excluded minors for a class of matroids $\mathcal{M}$. Some excluded minors for $\mathcal{Z}$ and $\mathcal{R}$ are easy to identify. We omit the routine argument that establishes the following.
The matroids $U_{2,4}\oplus U_{1,1}$, $U_{2,4}\oplus U_{0,1}$, and $R_6$ are in both $EX(\mathcal{Z})$ and $EX(\mathcal{R})$. \[share\]
The following three results will also be useful, the first is from [@kahn]; the second is elementary; the third follows from the first two.
Let $M'$ be obtained from $M$ by relaxing a circuit-hyperplane.
1. If $M$ is connected, then $M'$ is non-binary; and
2. if $M$ is $n$-connected, then so is $M'$.
\[kahnconn\]
The only disconnected matroids having a circuit-hyperplane are $U_{n-1,n}\oplus U_{1,k}$, for integers $n$, $k$ $\geq 1$. \[nonbin\]
Let $M$ be a binary matroid, $H$ be a circuit-hyperplane of $M$, and $M'$ be obtained from $M$ by relaxing $H$. Then $M'$ is binary if and only if $M$ is $U_{n-1,n}\oplus U_{1,k}$, for integers $n$, $k$ $\geq 1$. \[oxwhit\]
Note that, in Lemma \[nonbin\] and Corollary \[oxwhit\], the disconnected matroids are graphic and carry the name *enlarged $1$-wheels* in [@whit].
Recall, $\mathcal{D}$ is the collection of all matroids that are obtained from connected binary matroids by relaxing two disjoint circuit-hyperplanes that partition the ground set.
All matroids in $\mathcal{D}$ are in both $EX(\mathcal{Z})$ and $EX(\mathcal{R})$.
Take a matroid $M_2$ in $\mathcal{D}$. Let $X$ and $Y$ be the disjoint circuit-hyperplanes of the connected binary matroid $M$ that are relaxed to obtain $M_2$. Let $M_X$ and $M_Y$ denote the matroids obtained from $M$ by relaxing $X$ and $Y$, respectively, and take $e$ in $E(M_2)$. Note that the case with $e\in X$ is symmetric to the case with $e\in Y$; both $\mathcal{Z}$ and $\mathcal{R}$ are dual-closed classes, and since $X$ and $Y$ are complementary circuit-hyperplanes of $M$, they are so for $M^*$ as well.
Suppose $e\in X$. By Lemma \[relax\], $M_2/e$ is obtained from $M_Y/e$ by relaxing the circuit-hyperplane $X-e$ of the latter and $M_Y/e$=$M/e$. If $M/e$ is connected, then $M_2/e$ is non-binary by Lemma \[kahnconn\]. Now assume $M/e$ is disconnected. Then $M/e$=$U_{n-1,n}\oplus U_{1,k}$ for some $n$, $k$ $\geq1$, by Lemma \[nonbin\]. But $Y$ is a spanning circuit in $M/e$, which is a contradiction since $M/e$ has no spanning circuits. We conclude that $M_2/e$ is non-binary. By symmetry and duality the same argument holds for $M_2{\backslash}e$, and for both $M_2/f$ and $M_2{\backslash}f$ when $f\in Y$.
Any deletion $M_2{\backslash}z$ equals $M_Y{\backslash}z$ or $M_X{\backslash}z$. By symmetry we only need to consider the case with $z\in X$. The matroid $M_Y{\backslash}z$ can be obtained by relaxing a circuit-hyperplane in a binary matroid. By duality, the same holds for $M_2/z$. Therefore any minor of $M_2$ is in $\mathcal{R}$ and so is in $\mathcal{Z}$. Thus $M_2$ is in $EX(\mathcal{R})$ and in $EX(\mathcal{Z})$.
\[D\]
The next two lemmas list matroids that are excluded minors for exactly one of $\mathcal{R}$ and $\mathcal{Z}$. Their routine proofs are omitted.
The matroids $U_{2,5}$, $U_{3,5}$, $K$, and $K^*$ are excluded minors for the class $\mathcal{R}$. \[R\]
The matroids $Q_6$, $P_6$, and $U_{3,6}$ are excluded minors for the class $\mathcal{Z}$. \[Z\]
A class $\mathcal{N}$ of matroids is *$1$-rounded* [@2round] if every member of $\mathcal{N}$ is connected and, whenever $e$ is an element of a connected matroid $M$ having an $\mathcal{N}$-minor, $M$ has an $\mathcal{N}$-minor using $e$. The following three results will be useful in our proofs, they come from [@bixby], [@2round], and [@round], respectively.
The set $\{U_{2,4}\}$ is $1$-rounded. \[bix\]
The set $\{M(K_4)$, $U_{2,4}\}$ is $1$-rounded. \[roun\]
The set $\{\mathcal{W}^3$, $P_6$, $Q_6$, $U_{3,6}\}$ is $1$-rounded. \[again\]
Next we introduce Cunningham and Edmonds’s tree decomposition for connected matroids [@cun]. Our treatment of this material follows [@book pp. 307–310]. A *matroid-labeled tree* is a tree $T$ with vertex set $\{M_1$, $M_2$, $\ldots$, $M_k\}$ for some positive integer $k$ such that
1. each $M_i$ is a matroid;
2. if $M_{j_1}$ and $M_{j_2}$ are joined by an edge $e_i$ of $T$, then $E(M_{j_1}) \cap E(M_{j_2})$=$\{e_i\}$, and $\{e_i\}$ is not a separator of $M_{j_1}$ or $M_{j_2}$; and
3. if $M_{j_1}$ and $M_{j_2}$ are non-adjacent, then $E(M_{j_1})\cap E(M_{j_2})$ is empty.
Let $e$ be an edge of a matroid-labeled tree $T$ and suppose $e$ joins vertices labeled by $M_1$ and $M_2$. Suppose that we contract $e$ and relabel by $M_1 \oplus_2 M_2$ the composite vertex that results by identifying the endpoints of $e$. Then we retain a matroid-labeled tree and we denote this tree by $T/e$. This process can be repeated and since the operation of $2$-sum is associative, for every subset $\{e_{i_1}, e_{i_2}, \ldots, e_{i_m}\}$ of $E(T)$, the matroid-labeled tree $T/e_{i_1}, e_{i_2}, \ldots, e_{i_m}$ is well-defined.
A *tree decomposition* of a $2$-connected matroid $M$ is a matroid-labeled tree $T$ such that if $V(T)$=$\{M_1$, $M_2$, $\ldots$, $M_k\}$ and $E(T)$=$\{e_1$, $e_2$, $\ldots$, $e_{k-1}\}$, then
1. $E(M)$=$(E(M_1)\cup E(M_2)\cup \cdots \cup E(M_k))-\{e_1,e_2,\ldots,e_{k-1}\}$;
2. $E(M_i)\geq 3$ for all $i$ unless $|E(M)| < 3$, in which case $k$=1 and $M_1$=$M$; and
3. $M$ labels the single vertex of $T/e_1,e_2,\ldots,e_{k-1}$.
In general, a tree decomposition of a matroid is not unique. However, Cunningham and Edmonds were able to guarantee uniqueness of the *canonical tree decomposition* described in the following theorem from [@cun].
Each $2$-connected matroid $M$ has a tree decomposition $T$ in which every vertex is labeled by a $3$-connected matroid, $U_{m-1,m}$ for some $m\geq 3$, or $U_{1,n}$ for some $n\geq 3$. Moreover, there are no two adjacent vertices that are both labeled by uniform matroids of rank one or are both labeled by uniform matroids of corank one, and $T$ is unique to within a relabeling of its edges.
The canonical tree decomposition provides a unique way to break up a $2$-connected matroid $M$ into $3$-connected pieces, uniform matroids of rank one, and uniform matroids of corank one. Moreover, we can reconstruct $M$ from these pieces using the $2$-sum operation with the common elements between matroids as basepoints. A basic property of the $2$-sum operation is that $M_1$ and $M_2$ are minors of $M_1 \oplus_2 M_2$. The following result is well known; its routine proof is omitted.
Let $M_1$ and $M_2$ label vertices in a tree decomposition $T$ of a connected matroid $M$. Let $P$ be the path in $T$ joining $M_1$ and $M_2$, and let $p_1$ and $p_2$ be the edges of $P$ meeting $M_1$ and $M_2$ respectively. In other words, $p_1$ and $p_2$ are basepoints for $2$-sums in the reconstruction of $M$. Then $M$ has a minor isomorphic to the $2$-sum of $M_1$ and $M_2$, where $p_1$=$p_2$ is the basepoint of the $2$-sum. \[shrink\]
The following two results will also be needed. The first is basic and its proof is omitted. The second result comes from [@min3].
The class of binary matroids is closed under the operation of $2$-sum. \[bin2sum\]
The following statements are equivalent for a $3$-connected matroid $M$ having rank and corank at least three:
1. $M$ has a $U_{2,5}$-minor;
2. $M$ has a $U_{3,5}$-minor;
3. $M$ has a minor isomorphic to one of $P_6$, $Q_6$, or $U_{3,6}$.
\[extra\]
Main Result {#main}
===========
In this section we prove the main results of the paper, Theorems \[nb\] and \[nb2\]. We begin by finding all the disconnected excluded minors of each class. Due to the similarity of the proofs for each class, we combine the arguments where possible.
Suppose $\mathcal{U}$ $\in$ $\{\mathcal{Z}, \mathcal{R}\}$. The only disconnected members of $EX(\mathcal{U})$ are $U_{2,4} \oplus U_{1,1}$ and $U_{2,4} \oplus U_{0,1}$.
By Lemma \[share\], both matroids are in $EX(\mathcal{U})$. Now let $M$ be an arbitrary disconnected member of $EX(\mathcal{U})$. As $M$ is non-binary and disconnected, it has distinct components $M_1$ and $M_2$ where $M_1$ is non-binary. Since $M_1$ has a $U_{2,4}$-minor and $M_2$ has a $U_{0,1}$- or $U_{1,1}$-minor, the lemma follows.
\[discon\]
The following result from [@min3] will be useful in our proofs.
Let $M$ be a $3$-connected matroid having rank and corank exceeding two.
1. If $M$ is binary, then $M$ has an $M(K_4)$-minor.
2. If $M$ is non-binary, then $M$ has one of $\mathcal{W}^3$, $Q_6$, $P_6$, and $U_{3,6}$ as a minor.
\[3connminor\]
Before finding the complete list of $2$-connected excluded minors, we need the following lemmas. The first lemma comes from [@book Section 1.5, Exercise 14]; its proof is omitted.
The following statements are equivalent for a matroid $M$:
1. $M$ is a relaxation of some matroid,
2. $M$ has a basis $B$ such that $B\cup e$ is a circuit of $M$ for every $e$ in $E(M)-B$ and neither $B$ nor $E(M)-B$ is empty.
\[relaxbase\]
Let $M$ be a matroid that can be obtained from a binary matroid $N$ by relaxing a circuit-hyperplane $X$ of the latter. If $M$ contains a $\mathcal{W}^k$-minor for some $k\geq 3$, then, in every $\mathcal{W}^k$-minor of $M$, the rim elements are contained in $X$ and no element of $X$ is a spoke.
Let $M_1$ be a $\mathcal{W}^k$-minor of $M$. If $e$ is in the rim of $M_1$, then $M_1/e$ is non-binary. But, for all $f$ in $E(M)-X$, by Lemma \[relax\], $M/f$ is binary. Therefore $e\in X$. The assertion about spokes follows by duality.
\[bases\]
Let $M$ be a connected non-binary matroid. Either $M$ has an $R_6$-, $U_{2,4}\oplus U_{0,1}$-, or $U_{2,4}\oplus U_{1,1}$-minor, or $M$ is obtained from a $3$-connected non-binary matroid $M_0$ by parallel and series extension of disjoint subsets $T$ and $S$ of $E(M_0)$, where both $S$ and $T$ are possibly empty.
Consider the canonical tree decomposition $T$ of $M$. As $M$ is non-binary, by Lemma \[bin2sum\] there must be a non-binary matroid $M_0$ in $T$. Assume there is another vertex labeled by a non-binary matroid $M_1$. Then, by Lemma \[shrink\], we see that $M$ has an $M_0\oplus_2 M_1$-minor. Let $p_1$ be the basepoint of this $2$-sum. Each of $M_0$ and $M_1$ is connected and non-binary, so by Lemma \[bix\] each of $M_0$ and $M_1$ has a $U_{2,4}$-minor that uses $p_1$. Thus $M$ has an $R_6$-minor, and the lemma holds when $M_1$ exists.
We may now assume that $M_0$ is the unique non-binary matroid labeling a vertex of $T$. Suppose there is a vertex labeled by a $3$-connected binary matroid $M_2$ with at least four elements. Then $M$ has an $M_0 \oplus_2 M_2$-minor. Now $M_0$ has a $U_{2,4}$-minor and, as $M_2$ is $3$-connected and binary, Theorem \[3connminor\] tells us that $M_2$ has an $M(K_4)$-minor. Let $p_2$ be the basepoint of $M_0 \oplus_2 M_2$. As above, $M_0$ has a $U_{2,4}$-minor using $p_2$. By Lemma \[roun\], $M_2$ has an $M(K_4)$-minor using $p_2$. Thus $M$ has a $U_{2,4} \oplus_2 M(K_4)$-minor and therefore has a $U_{2,4} \oplus U_{1,1}$-minor. Hence the lemma holds when $M_2$ exists.
We may now assume all matroids other than $M_0$ labeling vertices in $T$ are $U_{1,n}$ or $U_{m-1,m}$ for varying $n$, $m$ $\geq 3$. If we have a path in $T$ beginning at $M_0$ that has the form $M_0$—$U_{m-1,m}$—$U_{1,n}$, then $M$ has a $U_{2,4} \oplus U_{0,1}$-minor. By duality, we may not have a path of the form $M_0$—$U_{1,n}$—$U_{m-1,m}$. Therefore we may assume the only non-trivial paths beginning at $M_0$ in $T$ are of the form $M_0$—$U_{m-1,m}$, or $M_0$—$U_{1,n}$. In other words, $M$ is obtained from $M_0$ by parallel and series extension of disjoint subsets of $E(M_0)$.
\[decomp\]
Recall that the matroid $K$ is the matroid obtained from $U_{2,4}$ by adding elements in parallel to three of its elements.
The matroid $R_6$ is the only connected, but not $3$-connected, member of $EX(\mathcal{Z})$. The connected, but not $3$-connected, members of $EX(\mathcal{R})$ are $R_6$, $K$, and $K^*$.
Suppose $\mathcal{U}$ $\in$ $\{\mathcal{Z},\mathcal{R}\}$. By Lemmas \[share\] and \[R\], $R_6$ is in $EX(\mathcal{U})$ and $K$ and $K^*$ are in $EX(\mathcal{R})$. Let $M$ be a $2$-connected member of $EX(\mathcal{U})$ that is not $3$-connected and is not $R_6$, $K$, or $K^*$. By Lemma \[decomp\], $M$ is obtained from a $3$-connected non-binary matroid $M_0$ by parallel and series extension of disjoint subsets $T$ and $S$ of $E(M_0)$ where $S\cup T \neq \emptyset$.
Let $M_0$ $\cong$ $U_{2,4}$. If $\mathcal{U}$=$\mathcal{Z}$, then $M$ is in $\mathcal{U}$, as it satisfies (iv) in Theorem \[class\], which is a contradiction, so let $\mathcal{U}$=$\mathcal{R}$. As $M$ has neither $K$ nor $K^*$ as a minor, both $S$ and $T$ have size less than three. By duality, we may assume that $0\leq|T|\leq|S|\leq 2$. In each case, $M$ can be realized as a relaxation of a binary matroid. For example, when $|S|=|T|=2$, assume the non-trivial series classes have sizes $s_1$ and $s_2$, and the non-trivial parallel classes have sizes $p_1$ and $p_2$. We can obtain $M$ by relaxing the circuit-hyperplane in $M(G)$ where $G$ is a graph on three vertices $\{a, b, c\}$ with $p_1$ parallel edges between $a$ and $c$, $p_2$ parallel edges between $b$ and $c$, and two internal vertex disjoint paths with sizes $s_1$ and $s_2$ between $a$ and $b$. The other cases can be checked similarly. We deduce contradictorily that $M\in \mathcal{U}$.
We may now assume $|E(M_0)|$ $\geq$ 5 and consider $\mathcal{U}$ $\in$ $\{\mathcal{Z},\mathcal{R}\}$. By switching to the dual if necessary, we may also assume that $M$ has at least one non-trivial parallel class and let $\{x,y\}$ be in that class.
The matroid $M{\backslash}x$ can be obtained from a binary matroid by relaxing a circuit-hyperplane.
We know $M{\backslash}x$ is in $\mathcal{U}$. Thus it satisfies one of (i)-(iv) in Theorem \[class\]. If $M{\backslash}x$ satisfies (i), then the result follows. Assume $M{\backslash}x$ satisfies (ii). Then $M{\backslash}x$ is a parallel extension of $U_{2,n}$, for some $n$ $\geq$ 5. Hence $M$ is also a parallel extension of this matroid and $M\in \mathcal{Z}$, and $M$ has a $U_{2,5}$-minor, which contradicts Lemma \[R\] if $\mathcal{U}$=$\mathcal{R}$. Next assume that $M{\backslash}x$ satisfies (iii). Then $M{\backslash}x$ is a series extension of $U_{n-2,n}$ for some $n$ $\geq$ 5, and $M$ is a parallel extension of this series extension. Then $M{\backslash}x$, and hence $M$, contains the excluded minor $U_{2,4} \oplus U_{0,1}$. Lastly, assume $M{\backslash}x$ satisfies (iv). Let $U=E(U_{2,4})-S-T$, where $S$ and $T$ are as defined in Theorem \[class\]. Recall that $\{x,y\}$ is a circuit of $M$. If $y$ is in a non-trivial series class of $M{\backslash}x$, then $M$ contains the excluded minor $U_{2,4}\oplus U_{0,1}$, so $y\in T\cup U$. Therefore $M$ satisfies (iv), so $M\in \mathcal{Z}$ and we assume $\mathcal{U}$=$\mathcal{R}$. As $M$ has neither $K$ nor $K^*$ as a minor, $|S|<3$ and $|T\cup y|<3$. As noted above, in these cases $M$ can be realized as a relaxation of a binary matroid.
\[sublem\]
If $r(M_0)=2$, then $M_0$ has a $U_{2,5}$-minor, so assume $\mathcal{U}$=$\mathcal{Z}$. It is not hard to check that we get a contradiction in this case by establishing that either $M\in \mathcal{Z}$, or $M$ contains a $U_{2,4} \oplus U_{1,1}$-minor. Thus we may assume $\mathcal{U}$ $\in$ $\{\mathcal{Z},\mathcal{R}\}$, $r(M_0)\geq 3$ and, by duality, $r^*(M_0)\geq 3$. As $M_0$ is non-binary and $3$-connected, and all of $P_6$, $Q_6$, and $U_{3,6}$ are either in $EX(\mathcal{U})$ or contain members of $EX(\mathcal{U})$, Theorem \[3connminor\] implies that $M_0$ contains a $\mathcal{W}^3$-minor. By \[sublem\], $M{\backslash}x$ is a relaxation of a binary matroid $N$, so let $B$ be the circuit-hyperplane relaxed in $N$ to produce $M{\backslash}x$. Assume $y\notin B$ and let $N_1$ be obtained from $N$ by adding $x$ back in parallel to $y$. Then $B$ is a circuit-hyperplane of $N_1$ whose relaxation is $M$, a contradiction.
We may now assume $y$ $\in$ $B$. Since $M_0$ has a $\mathcal{W}^3$-minor and no $P_6$-, $Q_6$-, or $U_{3,6}$-minor, by Lemma \[again\] $M_0$ has a $\mathcal{W}^3$-minor $M_y$ using $y$. By Lemma \[bases\], we know that $y$ is a rim element of $M_y$. This implies that $M$ has a $\mathcal{W}^3$-minor in which one of the rim elements is replaced by the parallel class containing $\{x,y\}$. This is a contradiction since it implies $M$ has a $U_{2,4} \oplus U_{0,1}$-minor.
\[conn\]
In finding the complete list of $3$-connected excluded minors for each class, we use the following lemma.
If a matroid $N'$ is obtained from a non-binary matroid $N$ by relaxing a circuit-hyperplane $X$, then
1. $N'$ has a $U_{2,5}$- or $U_{3,5}$-minor; or
2. $N'$ has a matroid in the class $\mathcal{D}$ as a minor.
As $N$ is non-binary and has a circuit-hyperplane, $|E(N)|\geq 5$. If $|E(N)|=5$, then either $N$ is $U_{2,4} \oplus_2 U_{1,3}$, in which case $N'$ is $U_{2,5}$, or $N$ is $U_{2,4} \oplus_2 U_{2,3}$, in which case $N'$ is $U_{3,5}$. Thus the result holds if $|E(N)|=5$. Now assume that the result holds for $|E(N)|<k$, and consider the case where $|E(N)|=k\geq 6$. If $r(N)=2$, then $N'$ has a $U_{2,5}$-minor and the result holds. Dually, the result holds if $r^*(N)=2$, so assume $r(N),r^*(N)\geq 3$.
Take $e\in X$ and consider $N/e$. By Lemma \[relax\], $N'/e$ is obtained from $N/e$ by relaxing $X-e$. If $N/e$ is non-binary, then we invoke the induction hypothesis to see that the result holds. Hence $N/e$ is binary for all $e\in X$. By duality, $N{\backslash}e$ is binary for all $e\not \in X$. Thus, for every $e\in E(N)$, at least one of $N{\backslash}e$ and $N/e$ is binary. By Theorem \[class\], we deduce that one of (i)-(iv) holds for $N$.
As $r(N), r^*(N)\geq 3$, we know $N$ cannot satisfy (ii) or (iii). Assume $N$ satisfies (iv). If $|S|=0$ or $|T|=0$, we contradict our rank or corank assumptions, so $|S|, |T|\geq 1$. It is straightforward to check that $N$ cannot have a circuit-hyperplane, which is a contradiction.
Finally, assume $N$ satisfies (i). Then $N$ can be obtained from some connected binary matroid $M$ by relaxing a circuit-hyperplane $Y$ in $M$. Assume $X\cap Y\neq\emptyset$ and take $e\in X\cap Y$. Then $N/e$ is binary and is obtained from the binary matroid $M/e$ via relaxation. By Corollary \[oxwhit\], $M/e\cong U_{n-1,n}\oplus U_{1,k}$ for some $n, k\geq 1$, and $N/e \cong U_{n,n+1}\oplus_2 U_{1,k+1}$. However, this implies $N/e$ has no circuit-hyperplane unless $n=2$ and $k=2$, so we assume these values for $n$ and $k$. But this means $N'/e\cong U_{2,4}$, which is a contradiction since $r(N'), r^*(N')\geq 3$. Thus $X\cap Y=\emptyset$ and, by duality, $(E(M)-X)\cap(E(N)-Y)=\emptyset$. As both $(X, E(N)-X)$ and $(Y, E(N)-Y)$ partition the ground set, $X=E(N)-Y$ and $E(N)-X=Y$. Hence $N'$ is obtained from the connected binary matroid $M$ by relaxing the two disjoint circuit-hyperplanes $X$ and $Y$, so $N'$ is in $\mathcal{D}$ and the result holds.
\[import\]
The complete list of $3$-connected members of $EX(\mathcal{Z})$ is $Q_6$, $P_6$, $U_{3,6}$, and the matroids in $\mathcal{D}$. The complete list of $3$-connected members of $EX(\mathcal{R})$ is $U_{2,5}$, $U_{3,5}$, and the matroids in $\mathcal{D}$
Suppose $\mathcal{U}$ $\in$ $\{\mathcal{Z},\mathcal{R}\}$. Let $M$ be a $3$-connected excluded minor of $\mathcal{U}$ that is not $Q_6$, $P_6$, $U_{3,6}$, $U_{2,5}$, $U_{3,5}$, or any of the matroids in $\mathcal{D}$. Clearly $r(M)\geq 3$ and $r^*(M)\geq 3$. Either (a) $M$ is a relaxation of a non-binary matroid; or (b) $M$ is not a relaxation of any matroid at all. Case (a) follows immediately by Lemmas \[import\] and \[extra\].
Now consider case (b). By Theorem \[3connminor\], $M$ must contain one of $\mathcal{W}^3$, $Q_6$, $P_6$, and $U_{3,6}$. As all of these except $\mathcal{W}^3$ contain excluded minors of $\mathcal{U}$, we know that $M$ has a $\mathcal{W}^3$-minor. Let $\mathcal{W}^k$ be the largest whirl-minor of $M$. We use Seymour’s Splitter Theorem [@seymour] to grow $M$ from $\mathcal{W}^k$. Let $x$ be the element added with the last move. By duality, we may assume that $x$ is added via extension. Thus $M{\backslash}x$ is a non-binary $3$-connected member of $\mathcal{U}$. If $\mathcal{U}$=$\mathcal{R}$, then $M{\backslash}x$ is a relaxation of a binary matroid. If $\mathcal{U}$=$\mathcal{Z}$, then $M{\backslash}x$ satisfies one of (i)-(iv) in Theorem \[class\]. As $M{\backslash}x$ is $3$-connected, it cannot satisfy (ii)-(iv). Hence, in both cases, $M{\backslash}x$ is a relaxation of a binary matroid $N_1$.
Let $B$ be the special basis in $M{\backslash}x$ that is a circuit-hyperplane in $N_1$. For all $e \in$ $E(M{\backslash}x)-B$, the set $B \cup e$ is a circuit in $M{\backslash}x$. Now $B$ is also a basis of $M$ and $B\cup e$ is a circuit of $M$ for all $e \in$ $E(M)-(B\cup x)$. If $B\cup x$ is a circuit of $M$, then $M$ can be realized as a relaxation of some matroid by Lemma \[relaxbase\], which is a contradiction. Thus there is some $y \in B$ such that $y$ is not in the circuit contained in $B\cup x$. Now, by Lemma \[relax\], $M{\backslash}x/y$ can be obtained by relaxing the circuit-hyperplane $B-y$ in $N_1/y$.
Assume that $M{\backslash}x/y$ is binary. It follows from Corollary \[oxwhit\] that $M{\backslash}x/y$ can be obtained from a circuit $C$ by adding some, possibly empty, set of elements in parallel with some element $z$ of $C$ where $C-z=B-y$. As $M{\backslash}x$ is $3$-connected, it has no non-trivial series classes. Hence $|C-z|=1$, so $r(M{\backslash}x/y)=1$, which contradicts the fact that $r(M)\geq 3$. Therefore $M{\backslash}x/y$ must be non-binary, and so $M/y$ is also non-binary.
The matroid $M/y$ can be obtained from a binary matroid via relaxation.
This is certainly true if $\mathcal{U}$=$\mathcal{R}$, so assume $\mathcal{U}$=$\mathcal{Z}$. Then $M/y$ satisfies one of (i)-(iv) in Theorem \[class\]. First note that $M/y$ cannot satisfy (iii), because a connected single-element coextension of a series extension of $U_{n-2,n}$ has corank two, and so has no $\mathcal{W}^3$-minor. Assume $M/y$ satisfies (ii). Then $r(M)=3$. As $M$ has a $\mathcal{W}^3$-minor, it is not hard to check that we must coextend $M/y$ by $y$ in a way that creates a matroid having a $U_{2,4}\oplus U_{1,1}$-, $Q_6$-, or $P_6$-minor. Now assume $M/y$ satisfies (iv). As $M$ is $3$-connected, $M/y$ cannot have any non-trivial series classes. A routine check shows that either $M$ contains an excluded minor or $M$ can be realized as a relaxation of a binary matroid, both of which are contradictions. Thus (i) holds, and so does the result.
\[newbie\]
We now revert to working in generality, where $\mathcal{U}$ $\in$ $\{\mathcal{Z}$,$\mathcal{R}\}$. We know that $M{\backslash}x$ is obtained by relaxing a circuit-hyperplane $B$ in a binary matroid $N_1$, and $M/y$ is obtained by relaxing a circuit-hyperplane $B'$ in a binary matroid $N_2$. We show next that
$B'$=$B-y$.
By Lemma \[relax\], $M{\backslash}x/y$ is obtained by relaxing the circuit-hyperplane $B-y$ in $N_1/y$. Consider $(M{\backslash}x/y){\backslash}e$ for $e\notin B-y$, and assume $(M{\backslash}x/y){\backslash}e$ is binary. Then, as $(M{\backslash}x/y){\backslash}e$ is a relaxation of a binary matroid, we know $(M{\backslash}x/y){\backslash}e \cong U_{t-1,t}\oplus_2 U_{1,v}$ for some $t,v\geq 1$. Now $E(M{\backslash}x/y{\backslash}e)$ has a partition $(S, P)$ where $S$ is the relaxed set $B-y$ and $P$ is its complement. Then $S\cup y$ is the relaxed set of $M{\backslash}x$ and $P\cup e$ is the relaxed set of $(M{\backslash}x)^*$. As $r_{M{\backslash}x}(P\cup y)=2$, we know $|P|\leq 2$, else the matroid $N_1$ would be non-binary, and, by duality, $|S|\leq 2$. However, $r(M{\backslash}x)=|S\cup y|$ and $r^*(M{\backslash}x)=|P\cup e|$. Thus, as $M{\backslash}x$ has a $\mathcal{W}^k$-minor for some $k\geq 3$, we know $|S\cup y|=|P\cup e|=3$. Therefore, $M{\backslash}x \cong \mathcal{W}^3$. The only $3$-connected single-element extension of $\mathcal{W}^3$ that does not contain an excluded minor is $F^-_7$, depicted in Figure \[ext\]. But $F^-_7$ is a relaxation of the Fano plane, which is binary, giving us a contradiction. Therefore we may assume $(M{\backslash}x/y){\backslash}e$ is non-binary for all $e\notin B-y$. Then, for all such $e$, the matroid $M/y{\backslash}e$ is also non-binary. By Lemma \[relax\], for every $e\in B'$ the matroid $M/y{\backslash}e$ is binary. Thus if $e$ is not in $B-y$, then it is not in $B'$. Therefore, $B'\subseteq B-y$. As $B-y$ and $B'$ are both bases for $M/y$, the result holds.
\[ccthyp\]
We know $B\cup e$ is a circuit of $M$ for all $e \in$ $E(M)-(B\cup x)$, and that $(B-y)\cup e$ is a circuit of $M/y$ for all $e \in$ $E(M)-B$. Thus, since $B\cup x$ is not a circuit of $M$, we see $(B-y)\cup x$ is a circuit of $M$. As $M{\backslash}x$ has a $\mathcal{W}^3$-minor, but no $Q_6$-, $P_6$, or $U_{3,6}$-minor, Lemma \[again\] implies that $M{\backslash}x$ has a $\mathcal{W}^3$-minor using $y$. By Lemma \[bases\], as $y$ is in $B$, it follows that this $\mathcal{W}^3$-minor has $y$ as a rim element. Hence by adding $x$ back, $M$ has a single-element extension of $\mathcal{W}^3$ as a minor. Let $\{b_1,b_2,y\}$ be the set of rim elements in $\mathcal{W}^3$. There are only two single-element extensions of $\mathcal{W}^3$ that do not contain excluded minors, and they are $F^-_7$ and a parallel extension of a spoke element of $\mathcal{W}^3$ (see Figure \[ext\]). But, in each of them, the set $\{b_1,b_2,x\}$ should be a circuit because $(B-y)\cup x$ is a circuit of $M$ and the only elements of $M{\backslash}x$ that can be contracted to produce the $\mathcal{W}^3$-minor must belong to $B$. This contradiction completes the proof.
\[3conn\]
These follow immediately by combining\
Lemmas \[discon\], \[conn\], and \[3conn\].
The Complexity of $\mathcal{D}$ {#compD}
===============================
Jim Geelen asked (private communication) whether members of $\mathcal{D}$ could contain arbitrarily large projective geometries. In this section, we observe that they can. Note that all sums in this section are modulo two. Let $A$ be a $k\times(2^k-1)$ matrix representing the rank-$k$ binary projective geometry $PG(k-1,2)$, where $k$ is odd. Let $n=2^k+k+1$, let $t=2^k+k-1$, and consider the rank-$n$ binary matrix $Z$ in Figure \[PG\]. The entries $\alpha_i$ and $\beta_j$ are defined the next paragraph.
Let $z_{sc}$ denote the entry in row $s$ and column $c$ of $Z$. Let $\alpha_i$=$\Sigma_{s=1}^{n-2} z_{s(n+1+i)}$, for $1\leq i\leq t$. Let $\beta_j$=$\Sigma_{c=n+2}^{2n-1} z_{jc}$, for $1\leq j\leq t$, and let $\gamma=1+\Sigma_{j=1}^t \beta_j$. Let $Z'$ be the submatrix of $Z$ whose columns are labeled by $n+1$, $n+2$, $\ldots$, $2n$. Then each column in $Z'$ is contained in the hyperplane of $PG(n-1,2)$ consisting of those vectors whose coordinates sum to zero. Moreover, no other column of $Z$ is in this hyperplane. The definitions ensure that all the rows of $Z'$, except possibly row $n-1$, sum to zero. To see that row $n-1$ also sums to zero, note that $\Sigma_{j=1}^t \beta_j$=$\Sigma_{i=1}^t \alpha_i$ since both of these sums count the number of non-zero entries in the same submatrix. We know that $\Sigma_{c=n+2}^{2n-1} z_{(n-1)c}$=$1+\Sigma_{i=1}^t (\alpha_i+1)$=$1+t+\Sigma_{i=1}^t \alpha_i$. As $t$ is even, $1+t+\Sigma_{i=1}^t \alpha_i$=$1+\Sigma_{i=1}^t \alpha_i$=$1+\Sigma_{j=1}^t \beta_j=\gamma$. Thus $\{n+1,n+2,\ldots,2n\}$ is a circuit-hyperplane of $M[Z]$ and it is easy to see that its complement is as well. By relaxing both these circuit-hyperplanes, we get a member of $\mathcal{D}$ that contains a $PG(k-1,2)$-minor.
Acknowledgments {#acknowledgments .unnumbered}
===============
The authors thank the anonymous referees whose many helpful suggestions significantly contributed to shaping the final version of this paper.
[99]{}
R.E. Bixby, $l$-matrices and a characterization of non-binary matroids, Discrete Math. 8 (1974) 139-145.
W.H. Cunningham, A combinatorial decomposition theory, Ph.D. thesis, University of Waterloo (1973).
N. Hine and J. Oxley, When excluding one matroid prevents infinite antichains, Adv. in Appl. Math 45 (2010) 74-76.
J. Kahn, A problem of P. Seymour on nonbinary matroids, Combinatorica 5 (1985) 319-323.
D. Mayhew, G. Whittle, and S. van Zwam, Stability, fragility, and Rota’s Conjecture, J. Combin. Theory Ser. B 102 (2012) 760-783.
J.G. Oxley, On the intersections of circuits and cocircuits in matroids, Combinatorica 4 (1984) 187-195.
J.G. Oxley, A characterization of certain excluded-minor classes of matroids, European J. Combin. 10 (1989) 275-279.
J.G. Oxley, A characterization of a class of non-binary matroids, J. Combin. Theory Ser. B 49 (1990) 181-189.
J. Oxley, [*Matroid Theory*]{}, Second edition, Oxford University Press, New York, 2011.
J. Oxley and G. Whittle, On weak maps of ternary matroids, European J. Combin. 19 (1998) 377-389.
P.D. Seymour, Decomposition of regular matroids, J. Combin. Theory Ser. B 28 (1980) 305-359.
P.D. Seymour, Minors of $3$-connected matroids, European J. Combin. 6 (1985) 375-382.
[^1]: The authors were supported by the National Security Agency and by an NSF VIGRE Grant, respectively.
| |
Q:
Does Molecular Weight of a Gas affect its lifting properties at the same velocity over the same wing?
Let's say we test the coefficient of lift of the same wing at the same AOA and the same flow velocity at the same pressure.
The difference is wind tunnel A will contain helium (molecular weight 4) gas and wind tunnel B will contain air (average molecular weight around 29).
Which test will produce a higher lift coefficient? Why?
A:
The wing will produce much less lift in helium than in air; all else being equal, lift is proportional to the molar mass of the gas in question.
The lift equation states that lift $L$ is proportional to the air density $\rho$ (rho):
$$L = \frac12 \rho \ v^2 \ S \ C_L,$$
where $v$ is the true airspeed, $S$ is the wing area, and $C_L$ is the coefficient of lift.
Meanwhile, one form of the ideal gas law tells us how the air density $\rho$ is related to the molar mass $M$:
$$\rho = \frac{MP}{RT},$$
where $P$ is the (static) pressure, $R$ is the gas constant, and $T$ is the absolute temperature.
Combining both of these equations, we find that
$$L = \frac{M P \ v^2 \ S \ C_L}{2 R T}.$$
In words, lift is
the molar mass of the gas,
times the static pressure,
times the square of the airspeed,
times the wing area,
times the coefficient of lift,
divided by the absolute temperature,
divided by a constant (the gas constant $R$),
divided by $2$.
| |
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Medicine, a once male-dominated profession, has seen huge growth in the number of women joining its ranks. While in 1975 there were just over 35,000 female physicians in the United States, by 2012 this figure grew sixfold to over 321,000. In fact, in 2012, women represented 31% of all physicians and 45% of all residents and fellows.
And this growth is likely to continue, with women making up almost half of the medical school population.[2,3]
One place where this demographic shift is less obvious, however, is at the top, where women represent less than 20% of division chiefs, medical school deans, department chairs, and hospital CEOs.
For the Medscape Women as Physician Leaders Report, we surveyed a total of 3285 female physicians across all specialties to find out about their participation and interest in leadership positions. Here's what they had to say.
Percentages may not add up to 100%, due either to rounding or because survey respondents could choose more than one answer.
Image from iStock
In the survey, women were identified as "leaders" if they held one or more positions of leadership in their main practice setting, a professional organization, or an academic department. Respondents were identified as "non-leaders" if they reported not holding any of these positions.
A leadership role in one's main practice setting was the most common. Overall, more than half of respondents (53%) report holding at least one leadership position, while slightly less (47%) said they don't hold any leadership positions.
Among women who self-identified as holding a leadership position, the highest percentage reported being medical directors. This seems to be in line with other surveys reporting that women are increasingly filling these positions; a survey published in 2008 by the American College of Physician Executives and Cejka Search reported that 40% of female physician executives held the title of medical director.
Women continue to represent only a small percentage of academia. According to a 2014 report from the Association of American Medical Colleges, women make up a little more than one third of full-time academic medicine faculty, including 15% of permanent department chair positions and 16% of dean positions.
n=1764
We asked leaders, "How important is it for you to maintain your leadership position(s) in the following setting(s)?"
Maintaining a position in one's main practice was viewed as slightly more important than maintaining positions in academia or a professional organization.
Main practice setting: n=1370; academic department: n=394; professional organization/society: n=394
Like female physicians who identify as leaders, female physicians not currently in leadership positions also view leadership in one's main practice setting as the most important. Nearly half of women physicians who aren't in leadership positions (43%) view attaining leadership in one's main practice setting as very or somewhat important, versus only 21% reporting the same for leadership in an academic department and 20% for a professional organization.
n=1521
Both leaders and non-leaders cite being a positive influence within an organization and effecting change as top reasons for serving in a leadership position. Less altruistic motivations, such as financial compensation, prestige, and bolstering a résumé ranked at the bottom.
Women in leadership positions cite excelling at their jobs as the top factor that helped them get where they are. When asked what they believe would help them reach a position of leadership, non-leaders agree that excelling at their jobs is important, but they place more emphasis on building alliances with others and being bolstered by the support of peers, mentors, and role models. Specifically, non-leaders rate inspiration from female physicians (38%) as possibly being more helpful than inspiration from male physician role models (13%).
Not having time to get everything done, as well as work getting in the way of one's personal life, are top challenges experienced by leaders and are also the most commonly anticipated challenges among non-leaders.
However, while non-leaders cited political bickering/infighting (55%) and gender bias (40%) as challenges they anticipate in leadership positions, few leaders say that they've experienced these challenges (35% political bickering/infighting; 24% gender bias).
Despite more than half of all respondents saying that work tends to get in the way of their personal lives, a majority of leaders and non-leaders report being happy with their careers. Of note, slightly more leaders (72%) report being very happy or somewhat happy with their work lives than non-leaders (63%).
Roughly 1 in 3 female physicians surveyed have asked for a promotion at some point in their career, and roughly half received the promotion they sought. Leaders are more likely than non-leaders to have received a promotion and are also more likely to have asked in the first place.
Most survey respondents practice family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, or obstetrics/gynecology, specialties that tend to attract more women.
One percent of respondents cited working in the following specialties: allergy/immunology; cardiovascular disease; critical care medicine; endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism; gastroenterology; geriatric medicine; infectious disease; internal medicine/pediatrics; neonatal/perinatal medicine; nephrology; neurology; physical medicine and rehabilitation; preventive medicine; rheumatology.
Less than 1% of respondents cited working in these specialties: interventional cardiology; neurologic surgery; neuroradiology; orthopedic surgery; otolaryngology; pain medicine and management; plastic surgery; pulmonary disease; radiation oncology; thoracic surgery; urology; vascular and interventional radiology; vascular surgery.
n=3285
Respondents were fairly evenly distributed by age, with 36% in their 50s, 33% in their 40s, 21% over 60, and 9% under 40. Importance of leadership on a personal level is high across age groups.
No meaningful correlation was found between age of their children and possession of or interest in leadership.
The vast majority of both leaders and non-leaders report being married. Relationships seem to have a strong influence on the careers of female respondents; roughly a third of leaders and non-leaders cited support from their spouses and partners as a factor that helped them or might help them attain a leadership position. | https://www.medscape.com/features/slideshow/public/femaleleadershipreport2015?src=ban_stm_wmn_wim_0915 |
An apparatus (10) for injection of dye or contrast medium into a uterine cavity. An elongated member (12) having a first and a second end and an intermediate portion has a liquid impervious expandable tube (20) disposed around it and is sealed on each end thereof to the exterior thereof. A first fluid passageway (13) extends from one end of the elongated member to a barrier (15) and another fluid passageway (16) extends from the other end of the elongated member to the barrier. A first opening (23) in the elongated member allows fluid communication between the first passageway and the inside of the balloon tube (20) and a second opening (26) in the elongated member provides fluid communication between the second fluid passageway and the inside of the balloon tube. The second opening is substantially smaller in cross-sectional area than the first opening whereby fluid pressure applied to the first passageway will remain substantially higher than the pressure in the second fluid communication passageway, whereby fluid pressure within the tube will cause it to expand to seal against the inner wall of the uterine cavity, while at the same time fluid will flow sequentially from the first fluid communication passageway (13), through the first opening (23), through the expanded balloon tube (20), through the second opening (26), through the second communication passageway (16) and out through a discharge opening structure (18) on one end of the second fluid communication passageway. | |
Ait Seghrouchen Berber is commonly classed as Central Atlas Tamazight.
It is reported to be mutually intelligible with the neighbouring
Berber dialect of Ait Ayache. Genetically, however, it belongs to
the Zenati subgroup of Northern Berber, rather than to the Atlas
subgroup to which the rest of
Central Atlas Tamazight
Ayt Seghrouchen consonants (Ayt Ayache)
Labial Dental/ Alveolar Palatal Velar Uvular Pharyn- geal1 Glottal3
Nasal m nˤ
Plosive voiceless
tˤ4
k
voiced b3 dˤ
ɡ
Fricative zˤ ʒ
ʁ ʕ
voiceless f sˤ ʃ
χ ħ h
lateral
(ɬ)2
Approximant
lˤ j w
Flap/Trill[nb 1]
rˤ
Phonetic notes:
mainly in Arabic borrowings realization of the sequence /lt/ for some speakers, e.g. ultma 'sister', altu 'not yet' For a small number of speakers, /b/ is sometimes lenited to [β] /t/ is aspirated [tʰ]
Vowels Ait Seghrouchen Berber has a typical phonemic three-vowel system, similarly to Classical Arabic:
Tamazight vowel phonemes
Front Central Back
Close i
u
Open
a
These phonemes have numerous allophones, conditioned by the following environments: (# denotes word boundary, X denotes C[−flat −/χ/ −/ʁ/], C̣ denotes C[+flat], G denotes C, /χ/, and /ʁ/)
Tamazight vowel allophony
Phoneme Realization Environment Example Gloss
/i/ [i] #_X /ili/ 'to exist'
[ɨ] #_Xː / Xː_ /idːa/ 'he went'
[ɪ] [e] _G / G_ /dˤːiqs/ 'to burst out'
[ɪj] X_# /isːfrˤħi/ 'he made me happy'
/u/ [u] #_X / X(ː)_X /umsʁ/ 'I painted'
[ʊ] [o] _G / G_ /idˤurˤ/ 'he turned'
[ʊw] X(ː)_# /bdu/ 'to begin'
[ʉ] kː_ / ɡː_ /lːajɡːur/ 'he goes'
/a/ [æ] #_X(ː) / X(ː)_X /azn/ 'to send'
[ɐ] X(ː)_# /da/ 'here'
[ɑ] _C̣ / C̣_ /ħadˤr/ 'to be present'
Phonetic Schwa There is a predictable non-phonemic vowel inserted into consonant clusters, realized as [ɪ̈] before front consonants (e.g. /b t d .../) and [ə] before back consonants (e.g. /k χ .../). These are some of the rules governing the occurrence of [ə]: (# denotes word boundary, L denotes /l r m n/, H denotes /h ħ ʕ w j/)
Tamazight schwa epenthesis
Environment Realization Example Pronunciation Gloss
#C(ː)# əC(ː) /ɡ/ [əɡ] 'to be, to do'
#LC# əLC or LəC /ns/ [əns] ~ [nəs] 'to spend the night'
#CC# CəC /tˤsˤ/ [tˤəsˤ] 'to laugh'
#CːC# əCːəC /fːr/ [əfːər] 'to hide'
#CCC# CCəC / C1C2 are not L H /χdm/ [χdəm] 'to work'
/zʕf/ [zʕəf] 'to get mad'
#CCC# əCCəC or #CəCəC# / C1 C3 is L H /hdm/ [əhdəm] ~ [hədəm] 'to demolish'
#CCC# CəCəC / C2C3 = L H /dˤmn/ [dˤəmən] 'to guarantee'
Stress Word stress is non-contrastive and predictable — it falls on the last vowel in a word (including schwa). Notes
^ Abdel-Massih refers to this as a "flap" produced with "vibration" of the tongue.
References
^ Abdel-Massih (1971b:xiii)
^ Edmond Destaing, "Essai de classification des dialectes berbères du
Maroc", Etudes et Documents Berbère, 19-20, 2001-2002 (1915)
^ Augustin Bernard and Paul Moussard, Arabophones et berbérophones au
Maroc, | http://theinfolist.com/php/SummaryGet.php?FindGo=Ait%20Seghrouchen%20Berber |
An ideal dipole, at resonance, will have an impedance around 73 ohms. A folded dipole, around 280 ohms.
How can I calculate the impedances when not at resonance? Let's assume I have a span of 15M in my property where I can hang a dipole. Ideally, and very roughly, a folded dipole would give me about 280 ohms impedance at 10MHz.
How can I estimate what the impedance will be at 160, 80, 40, 30, 20, 17, 15, 10 M will be?
I want to build a balanced matchbox and I want to estimate the required L and C sizes, to figure out what the range of matching would be. | https://ham.stackexchange.com/questions/15474/how-to-estimate-a-dipole-feedpoint-impedance |
AstraZeneca Pharma India Q2 net profit dips 67% to Rs 9.13 Crore
New Delhi: Drug firm AstraZeneca Pharma India has recently reported a 66.65 per cent dip in its net profit to Rs 9.13 crore for the quarter ended September 30, 2018. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 27.38 crore for the corresponding period of the previous fiscal, AstraZeneca Pharma India said in a filing to BSE.
Company's total revenue for the quarter under consideration stood at Rs 164.71 crore. It was Rs 166.75 crore for the same period year ago.
AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited is the Indian subsidiary of the global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca Plc, UK. | https://business.medicaldialogues.in/astrazeneca-pharma-india-q2-net-profit-dips-67-rs-9-13-crore |
Cadwallon: City of Thieves
In Cadwallon: City of Thieves , two to four players each control their own gang of four thieves, competing to amass the greatest haul of loot from the many carefully locked chests scattered about the board. This is no friendly competition, however, and there is little loyalty among thieves in Cadwallon...
The most successful players are as likely to claim their loot from the other gangs as they are to do the time-consuming legwork themselves. And always there is the Guild, directing the gangs from the shadows, and offering rich rewards to those who follow its will. But there is little time to waste; even the slow-witted militiamen will eventually raise the alarm... and woe be upon any thief who fails to creep away before the lawmen seal the district! | https://shop.gamezenter.com/products/cadwallon-city-of-thieves |
The utility model discloses a pattern rete mirror surface membrane resin sun lens, including resin sunglasses piece base member, resin sunglasses piece base member is last to be covered to have and prevents water film layer, mirror surface rete, top layer waterproof layer with hard formation, high refraction high permeability rete, pattern, and the thickness that adds the hard formation be 1.5~4 microns, and the high high permeability rete thickness that reflects is 1~300 nanometer, and the pattern prevents that water film layer's thickness is 6~20 nanometers, and the thickness of mirror surface rete is 150~800 nanometers, and top layer waterproof layer thickness is 6~20 nanometers, the utility model discloses, possess when general sunglasses piece is better to hinder the photosensitiveness, figure mirror surface rete through the system of plating not only makes lens surface brilliant enough to reflect one's image, can let lens surface produce the figure in addition, and this figure can be customized by oneself as requested to make mirror surface membrane lens alternative more, more pleasing to the eye, wear and show that individual character, decorative effect are also better, and whole lens surface has water -proof effects. | |
The Better Business Bureau issued this warning to sports, music, and theater fans: Beware of online ticket sales.
The bureau has received hundreds of complaints against TicketsMyWay.com, run by the Las Vegas-based company Event Tickets.
Consumers complain that they paid for concert and sporting event tickets but never received the tickets. Other customers said they didn’t get their tickets until after the scheduled events.
The company has an unsatisfactory bureau rating that stems from nearly 100 instances of non-delivery of tickets, another 100 complaints involving refunds and exchanges, and 200 occasions when the company failed to respond to Better Business Bureau to resolve customer issues.
Consumers who think they may have been ripped off when buying tickets online can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau online at www.tucson.bbb.org, or with the Arizona Attorney General’s office, www.azag.gov. | http://www.tucsonlocalmedia.com/business/article_bfcbda42-d726-51e9-b276-4c77602f7910.html |
Frankfurt am Main in One Day | Drone & GoPro Footage
AIRVŪZ STAFF NOTE :
Nohesitations used a combination of drone and ground camera footage to record this chronicle of a brief trip to Frankfurt, in western Germany. Frankfurt is on the Main River (the largest tributary of the Rhine), in the state of Hesse in west-central Germany. It's the fifth largest city in Germany, and the third largest in western Germany after Hamburg and Cologne. It's known best of all for being a financial center, by some measures the second largest in Europe after London.
- 2 years ago
- 2.5k VŪZ
42
- 25
Description: NOTICED IT'S BEING STREAMED AT 720P HERE.
Please GO to Youtube to view it in 4K.
I had a 10 hours layover in Frankfurt 🇩🇪 from Noon to 10 PM. Took a quick ride to the city and I couldn't resist to fly my DJI Mavic Pro to take some nice footage of this beautiful city. It was great weather, around 25 Celsius and there’s not much wind, perfect for flying 😃. Drone footage was filmed in 4K using ND16 filter, other footage was filmed with GoPro Hero5.
Hope this will persuade you to visit Frankfurt, one day is a good start. I wish I had more time so I could stay for a couple days, at least, to explore the food scenes and other attractions. Taking advantage of a long layover to check out a city is not a bad idea at all. I never thought it would be enough time and boy I was wrong. I will certainly do that again whenever I get a chance. Happy safe travel!
Don’t forget to “Like”, “Comment”, & "Subscribe"
Location: Römerberg, Ostzeile, Alte Nikolaikirche, River Main, Dreikönigskirche
Music by Dj Quads “Early"
https://soundcloud.com/aka-dj-quads/early
Keywords : | https://www.airvuz.com/video/Frankfurt-am-Main-in-One-Day--Drone--GoPro-Footage?id=598e0474f08d0b615dfd7486 |
Technical Field
Background Art
Citation List
Patent Literature
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
Solution to Problem
Advantageous Effects of Invention
Brief Description of Drawings
Description of Embodiments
Reference Signs List
The present invention relates to a hybrid device that includes an electrolysis cell stack device and a fuel cell stack device, and a hybrid system including the hybrid device.
In recent years, fuel cell stack devices in which a plurality of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) capable of generating electrical power using a fuel gas (hydrogen-containing gas) and an oxygen-containing gas (air) are arranged have been proposed as next-generation energy sources.
At the same time, a high temperature water-vapor electrolysis method that uses an electrolysis cell that includes a solid oxide electrolyte membrane (SOEC) has been proposed as another method for manufacturing hydrogen.
Furthermore, solid electrolyte fuel cell power generation equipment including a combination of the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and the solid-oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) has also been proposed (refer to Patent Document 1, for example).
Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H11-214021A
Patent Literature 1:
Nevertheless, in Patent Document 1, the combination of the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and the solid-oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) is merely described as a block diagram without suggesting a specific configuration, resulting in the need for equipment having greater efficiency.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a hybrid device including a combination of an electrolysis cell stack device and a fuel cell stack device and has greater efficiency, and a hybrid system including the hybrid device.
A hybrid device of the present invention is provided with: an electrolysis cell stack device including an electrolysis cell stack provided with a plurality of electrolysis cells that generate a hydrogen-containing gas from a water vapor-containing gas; and a fuel cell stack device including a fuel cell stack provided with a plurality of fuel cells. The hybrid device is configured so that at least a portion of the hydrogen-containing gas generated by the electrolysis cell stack device is supplied to the fuel cell stack device. A vaporizer for generating the water-vapor containing gas to be supplied to the electrolysis cell stack device is disposed near the fuel cell stack.
Further, the hybrid system of the present invention includes the above-described hybrid device, and an auxiliary device for supplying one of an oxygen-containing gas and water vapor to the manifold of the fuel cell stack device.
Furthermore, the hybrid system of the present invention is provided with the above-described hybrid device, and a controller that performs control so that, in a deactivation process of the hybrid device, the supply of current to an external load of the fuel cell stack device is stopped and, after a temperature of the fuel cells decreases to a predetermined temperature or less, the supply of current to the electrolysis cell stack device and the supply of water to the vaporizer are stopped.
The hybrid device of the present invention makes it possible to efficiently supply water vapor to the electrolysis cell stack device, improve a temperature distribution of the fuel cell stack device, enhance power generation efficiency, and thus achieve a hybrid device having favorable efficiency.
Furthermore, the hybrid system of the present invention makes it possible to achieve a hybrid system having improved reliability.
FIG. 1
is an exterior perspective view illustrating an example of a hybrid device of a present embodiment.
FIG. 2A
FIG. 2B
is a plan view illustrating a portion extracted from an electrolysis cell stack device, and is a plan view illustrating a portion extracted from a fuel cell stack device, which constitute the hybrid device of the present embodiment.
FIG. 3
is an exterior perspective view illustrating another example of the hybrid device of the present embodiment.
FIG. 4
is an exterior perspective view illustrating yet another example of the hybrid device of the present embodiment.
FIG. 5
FIG. 4
is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the electrolysis cell stack device that constitutes the hybrid device illustrated in .
FIG. 6
is an exterior perspective view illustrating yet another example of the hybrid device of the present embodiment.
FIGS. 7A and 7B
are block diagrams illustrating examples of a hybrid system of the present embodiment.
FIG. 8
is a flowchart related to the activation of the hybrid system of the present embodiment.
FIG. 1
is an exterior perspective view illustrating an example of a hybrid device of the present embodiment. It should be noted that, in the following description, identical components are denoted using the same symbols.
FIG. 1
As illustrated in , a hybrid device 1 of the present embodiment includes a solid oxide electrolysis cell stack device 2 and a solid oxide fuel cell stack device 3.
Water vapor is supplied, and a current is allowed to flow (a voltage is applied) to the electrolysis cell stack device 2, thereby promoting an electrolysis reaction and generating a hydrogen-containing gas in the electrolysis cell stack device 2.
Meanwhile, a hydrogen-containing gas serving as a fuel gas is supplied to the fuel cell stack device 3, making it possible to generate electrical power through a power generation reaction in the fuel cell stack device 3.
Therefore, combining the electrolysis cell stack device and the fuel cell stack device makes it possible to obtain a hydrogen-containing gas as well as obtaining electrical power, and achieve a hybrid device having favorable efficiency.
The electrolysis cell stack device 2 includes an electrolysis cell stack 5 in which a plurality of electrolysis cells 4 are arranged uprightly in a row and electrically connected, and one end portion (lower end portion) of the electrolysis cells 4 that constitute the electrolysis cell stack 5 are fixed to a first manifold 6 formed of a metal or the like by an insulating bonding material (not illustrated) such as a glass sealing material. It should be noted that an end conductive member 8 that includes a conductive part 9 for applying a current to the electrolysis cell stack 5 (electrolysis cells 4) is disposed on both end portions of the electrolysis cell stack 5.
Further, the other end portion (upper end portion) of the electrolysis cell stack 5 (a plurality of electrolysis cells 4) is fixed to a second manifold 7 formed of a metal or the like by an insulating bonding material (not illustrated) such as a glass sealing material. In this electrolysis cell stack device 2, a gas is supplied to the electrolysis cells 4 to generate hydrogen through the electrolysis reaction. Then, the hydrogen-containing gas is collected by the second manifold 7. That is, the second manifold 7 itself serves as a collecting part. The hydrogen-containing gas collected by the second manifold 7 is not only led out through a gas lead-out pipe 18, but also supplied, through a gas lead-in pipe 19, to the fuel cell stack device 3 that is disposed adjacent to the electrolysis cell stack device 2. In other words, the second manifold 7 of the electrolysis cell stack device 2 and a manifold 12 of the fuel cell stack device 3 described later are connected by the gas lead-in pipe 19. This results in a configuration in which at least a portion of the hydrogen-containing gas generated by the electrolysis cell stack device 2 is supplied to the fuel cell stack device 3.
FIG. 1
It should be noted that, although not illustrated, a valve is suitably provided in the gas lead-out pipe 18 or the gas lead-in pipe 19, and controlling the operation of this valve makes it possible to lead out the hydrogen-containing gas and to supply the hydrogen-containing gas to the fuel cell stack device 3. While described in detail later, vertically striped electrolysis cells 1 are provided as the electrolysis cells illustrated in . It should be noted that a conductive member may be disposed between the electrolysis cells 4 for the purpose of facilitating the flow of a current through the electrolysis cells 4.
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-
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Then, water vapor is supplied to the electrolysis cells 4, the electrolysis cells 4 are heated to a temperature of from 600 to 1000°C, and a current is applied so as to bring a voltage to a range of about 1.0 to 1.5 V (per electrolysis cell). This causes all or a portion of the water vapor supplied to the electrolysis cells 4 to decompose into hydrogen and oxygen through a reaction, indicated by the following reaction formula, at the cathodes and anodes of the electrolysis cells 4. It should be noted that the oxygen is discharged from the anode described later.
Cathode: HO + 2e → H + O
Anode: O → 1/20 + 2e
FIG. 1
On the other hand, the fuel cell stack device 3 includes a fuel cell stack 11 in which a plurality of fuel cells 10 are arranged uprightly in a row and electrically connected, and one end portion (lower end portion) of the fuel cells 10 that constitute the fuel cell stack 11 is fixed to the manifold 12 formed of a metal or the like by an insulating bonding material (not illustrated) such as a glass sealing material. It should be noted that an end current collector 13 that includes a current extraction part 14 for leading out the current generated in the fuel cell stack 11 (fuel cells 10) is disposed on both end portions of the fuel cell stack 11. While described in detail later, vertically striped fuel cells 10 are provided as the fuel cells illustrated in .
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Then, the hydrogen-containing gas (hydrogen-containing gas) and the oxygen-containing gas are supplied to the fuel cells 10, and the fuel cells 10 are heated to a temperature of from 600 to 1000°C, thereby causing the hydrogen-containing gas and the oxygen-containing gas supplied to the fuel cells 10 to generate electrical power through a reaction indicated by the following reaction formula, at the cathodes and anodes of the fuel cells 10. It should be noted that the hydrogen-containing gas not used in power generation is combusted on the other end portion side (upper end portion side) of the fuel cells 10, thereby making it possible to increase the temperature of the fuel cell stack 11 or maintain the fuel cell stack 11 at high temperature by the combustion heat.
Cathode: 1/20 + 2e → O
Anode: H +O → HO + 2e
The electrolysis cell stack device 2 and the fuel cell stack device 3 significantly differ in configuration in that the second manifold 7 is disposed above the electrolysis cell stack device 2.
FIG. 1
FIG. 1
Furthermore, a vaporizer 16 for generating water vapor to be supplied to the first manifold 6 of the electrolysis cell stack device 2 is disposed near the fuel cell stack 11. It should be noted that, in , the vaporizer 16 is disposed in a middle portion in the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 10, and specifically is disposed at the side of the middle portion of the fuel cell stack 11 in the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 10 illustrated in , but is not limited thereto.
Here, a water introduction pipe 15 for introducing water supplied by a water supplying device into the vaporizer 16 is connected to an upper end of the vaporizer 16, while a water vapor inflow pipe 17 having one end connected to the vaporizer 16 and the other end connected to the first manifold 6 is connected to a lower end of the vaporizer 16. As a result, water vapor supplied through the water introduction pipe 15 and vaporized in the vaporizer 16 is supplied to the first manifold 6 of the electrolysis cell stack device 2 through the water vapor inflow pipe 17.
In the fuel cell stack device 3, a temperature distribution may occur with power generation. Here, the vaporizer 16 is disposed near the fuel cell stack device, thereby making it possible to improve this temperature distribution and suppress a decrease in power generation efficiency, in other words, improve the power generation efficiency, of the fuel cell stack device 3.
FIG. 1
In particular, in the above-described fuel cell stack device 3, a temperature distribution in which the temperature of the middle portion in the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 10 increases and the temperatures of both end portions decrease may occur. Therefore, the vaporizer 16 is disposed in the middle portion in the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 10, making it possible to decrease the temperature of the middle portion and further improve the temperature distribution. This makes it possible to further improve the power generation efficiency. It should be noted that while illustrates an example in which the vaporizer 16 is disposed between the electrolysis cell stack device 2 and the fuel cell stack device 3, the vaporizer 16 need only be disposed near the fuel cell stack device 3. The vaporizer 16 may be disposed on a side opposite to the electrolysis cell stack device 2, for example.
Furthermore, when the electrolysis cells 4 contain Ni, for example, supplying only water vapor to the electrolysis cells 4 may cause the Ni to be oxidized by the water vapor. The oxidation of the Ni causes a support body and an inner electrode layer (cathode) that contain the Ni to change in volume. Thus, an excessive stress is applied to a solid electrolyte, thereby damaging the solid electrolyte. As a result, cross leakage of the solid electrolyte occurs, significantly deteriorating the performance of the electrolysis cells 4. Therefore, to avoid this, a small amount of hydrogen is supplied in addition to the water vapor, making it possible to suppress oxidation of the electrolysis cells 4. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the oxidation of the electrolysis cells 4 by starting the generation of hydrogen by applying the current at the temperature that the efficiency of hydrogen generation is low in the electrolysis cell stack device 2, by connecting the hydrogen supply pipe for supplying hydrogen externally to the first manifold 6 or by supplying hydrogen together with water to the vaporizer 16.
FIG. 1
Furthermore, while described in detail later, a fuel supply pipe 20 for supplying a raw fuel or a hydrogen-containing gas is connected to the manifold 12 of the fuel cell stack device 3 illustrated in . It should be noted that the fuel supply pipe 20 need only directly or indirectly supply the raw fuel to the manifold 12. For example, with the above-described water introduction pipe 15 made to a dual pipe with the fuel supply pipe 20, the raw fuel may be supplied to the manifold 12 via the vaporizer 16, the water vapor inflow pipe 17, the electrolysis cell stack 5, the second manifold 7, and the gas lead-in pipe 19. As described later, a reformer may be provided above the fuel cell stack device 3, and the fuel supply pipe 20 may be connected to the reformer to supply the raw fuel to the manifold 12 via the reformer. Examples of the raw fuel include a hydrocarbon-based gas.
FIGS. 2A and 2B
The following describes the electrolysis cells 4 (electrolysis cell stack 5) and the fuel cells 10 (fuel cell stack 11) using .
FIG. 2A
FIG. 2B
is a plan view illustrating a portion extracted from the electrolysis cell stack device, and is a plan view illustrating a portion extracted from the fuel cell stack device, which constitute the hybrid device of the present embodiment.
In the hybrid device of the present embodiment, the electrolysis cells 4 and the fuel cells 10 may be formed of cells having substantially the same configuration, and therefore the respective cells will be described using the electrolysis cells 4. The fuel cells 10 will be additionally described only when differences between the electrolysis cells 4 and the fuel cells 10 arise.
FIG. 2A
The electrolysis cell 4, as illustrated in , is a hollow flat plate-shaped fuel cell, and includes a porous conductive support body (hereinafter also referred to as support body) 21 having an overall elliptical column shape with a flat cross-section.
A plurality of distribution holes 26 are formed in the support body 21, extending through the support body 21 from one end to the other end in a length direction of the electrolysis cell 4, and the electrolysis cell 4 has a structure in which various members are provided on this support member 21. It should be noted that the distribution hole 26 preferably has a circular or elliptical shape in the cross-section of the electrolysis cell 4.
FIG. 2A
The support body 21 includes a pair of flat faces n parallel to each other, and a pair of side faces (arc-shaped portions) m each connecting the ends of the pair of flat faces n, as is clear from the shapes illustrated in . The pair of flat faces n are substantially formed in parallel to each other, a porous inner electrode layer 22 (cathode) is provided so as to cover one of the flat faces n and both the side faces m, and a dense solid electrolyte layer 23 is stacked so as to cover this inner electrode layer 22. Furthermore, a porous outer electrode layer 24 (anode) is stacked on the solid electrolyte layer 23 so as to face the inner electrode layer 22, and a section in which the inner electrode layer 22, the solid electrolyte layer 23, and the outer electrode layer 24 overlap serves as an electrolysis element part. Furthermore, an interconnector 25 is stacked on the other flat face n on which neither the inner electrode layer 22 nor the solid electrolyte layer 23 is stacked.
FIG. 2B
Incidentally, in the fuel cells 10 illustrated in , the inner electrode layer 22 functions as the anode and the outer electrode layer 24 functions as the cathode. Then, the section in which the inner electrode layer 22, the solid electrolyte layer 23, and the outer electrode layer 24 overlap serves as a power generating element part.
FIG. 2A
As is clear from , the solid electrolyte layer 23 (and the inner electrode layer 22) extends through the arc-shaped side faces m that connect both ends of the flat faces n toward the other flat face n, and both end faces of the interconnector 25 come in contact with both end faces of the inner electrode layer 22 and both end faces of the solid electrolyte layer 23. It should be noted that both the end portions of the interconnector 25 may be disposed so as to be stacked on both the end portions of the solid electrolyte layer 23.
It should be noted that a cohesion layer for strongly bonding the interconnector 25 with the support body 21 may be provided between the interconnector 25 and the support body 21, and an anti-reaction layer for preventing a high-resistance reaction product from being formed by a reaction between constituents of the solid electrolyte layer 23 and the outer electrode layer 24 may be provided between the solid electrolyte layer 23 and the outer electrode layer 24.
Here, in the electrolysis cell 4, water vapor is allowed to flow through the distribution holes 26 located in the support body 21, the above-described predetermined operation temperature is applied, and the above-described predetermined voltage is applied across the inner electrode layer 22 and the outer electrode layer 24, making it possible to promote an electrolysis reaction. It should be noted that the voltage is applied by allowing the current to flow to the electrolysis cell 4 through the interconnector 25 stacked on the support body 21.
Meanwhile, in the fuel cell 10, hydrogen-containing gas is allowed to flow through the distribution holes 26 located in the support body 21 and the above-described predetermined operation temperature is reached, making it possible to promote a power generation reaction. It should be noted that the current generated by power generation in a fuel cell 10 flows to another fuel cell 10 adjacent with a current collection member 27 placed therebetween, through the interconnector 25 stacked on the support body 21.
FIG. 2B
In the fuel cell stack device 3 illustrated in , the current collection member 27 is disposed between the fuel cells 10. The current collection member 27 has a space therein through which an oxygen-containing gas flows. It should be noted that the current collection member 27 and the interconnector 25 are bonded with each other by an electrically conductive adhesive 28.
The following describes components that constitute the electrolysis cell 4 and the fuel cell 10 one by one.
It is required that the support body 21 have permeability with respect to water vapor and a hydrogen-containing gas so as to allow water vapor and a hydrogen-containing gas to permeate to the solid electrolyte layer 23, and have conductivity to allow a current to flow through the interconnector 25. Therefore, for example, the support body 21 is preferably formed of an iron group metal component and a specific inorganic oxide (a rare earth element oxide, for example).
2
Examples of the iron group metal component include an iron group metal alone, an iron group metal oxide, an iron group metal alloy, or an iron group alloy oxide. To be more specific, examples of an applicable iron group metal include Fe, Ni, and Co. In particular, Ni and/or NiO are preferably contained as the iron group component or iron group metal oxide because of their inexpensiveness. It should be noted that the iron group metal may contain Fe and Co in addition to Ni and/or NiO. Furthermore, NiO is reduced by H, which is generated by the electrolysis reaction, to partially or entirely serve as Ni.
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The rare earth element oxide is used to bring the thermal expansion coefficient of the support body 21 close to the thermal expansion coefficient of the solid electrolyte layer 23, and a rare earth element oxide that includes at least one element selected from a group consisting of Y, Lu, Yb, Tm, Er, Ho, Dy, Gd, Sm, and Pr may be used in combination with the above-described iron group component. Specific examples of such a rare earth element oxide include YO, LuO, YbO, TmO, ErO, HoO, DyO, GdO, SmO, and PrO. Preferably, YO and YbO are used. This is because YO and YbO exhibit very little solid-solubility toward an iron group metal oxide, rarely react with an iron group metal oxide, are substantially equal to the solid electrolyte layer 23 in terms of thermal expansion coefficient, and are inexpensive.
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Here, in order to maintain a favorable conductivity of the support body 21 and bring the thermal expansion coefficient of the support body 21 close to that of the solid electrolyte layer 23, the iron group metal component and the rare earth element oxide component preferably exist in a ratio by volume of from 35:65 to 65:35 based on the volume percentages after firing - reduction. It should be noted that, when Ni is used as the iron group metal component and YO is used as the rare earth element oxide component, the Ni and YO contents are preferably such that Ni/(Ni + Y) is from 79 to 93 mole%. Furthermore, any other metal component or oxide component may be added to the support body 21 so long as the required characteristics will not be impaired.
Moreover, since it is necessary for the support body 21 to permeate water vapor, the support body 21 generally and preferably has an open porosity greater than or equal to 30%, particularly in the range of from 35% to 50%. Furthermore, the conductivity of the support body 21 is preferably 50 S/cm or greater, more preferably 300 S/cm or greater, and even more preferably 440 S/cm or greater.
It should be noted that it is preferable that, in general, the length of the flat face n of the support body 21 (length in a width direction of the support body 21) be from 15 to 35 mm, the length of the side face m (length of the arc) be from 2 to 8 mm, and the thickness of the support body 21 (thickness between the pair of flat faces n) be from 1.5 to 5 mm.
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3
The inner electrode layer 22, which is to promote an electrode reaction, is preferably formed of porous, electrically conductive ceramic which itself is known. For example, the inner electrode layer 22 may be formed from a ZrO solid solution containing a rare earth element oxide or a CeO solid solution containing a rare earth element oxide, and Ni and/or NiO. The rare earth element may be any one of the rare earth elements cited as the rare earth element used for the support body 21. For example, a ZrO solid solution containing YO (YSZ) and Ni and/or NiO may be used as the material.
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2
The content of a ZrO solid solution containing a rare earth element oxide or a CeO solid solution containing a rare earth element oxide and the content of Ni or NiO in the inner electrode layer 22 preferably exist in a ratio by volume from 35:65 to 65:35 based on volume percentages after firing - reduction. Furthermore, an open porosity of this inner electrode layer 22 is preferably 15% or greater, particularly in the range of from 20% to 40%, and the thickness thereof is preferably from 1 to 30 µm. For example, when the inner electrode layer 22 has too small a thickness, its performance capability may deteriorate. On the other hand, when the inner electrode layer 22 has too large a thickness, peeling or the like may occur between the solid electrolyte layer 23 and the inner electrode layer 22 due to a difference in thermal expansion.
FIG. 2A
Further, while the inner electrode layer 22 extends from the one flat face n (the flat face n positioned on the left side in the figure) through the side face m to the other flat face n (the flat face n positioned on the right side in the figure) in the example illustrated in , the inner electrode layer 22 need only be formed in a position facing the outer electrode layer 24, allowing the inner electrode layer 22 to be formed only on the flat face n on the side in which the outer electrode layer 24 is provided, for example. That is, the structure may be such that the inner electrode layer 22 is provided only on the flat face n, and the solid electrolyte layer 23 is formed on the inner electrode layer 22, on both of the side faces m, and on the other flat face n on which the inner electrode layer 22 has not been formed.
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The solid electrolyte layer 23 preferably formed of a dense ceramic made of partially stabilized or stabilized ZrO containing a rare earth element oxide such as YO, ScO, or YbO in an amount of from 3 to 15 mol%. Further, the rare earth element is preferably Y from the standpoint of inexpensiveness. Furthermore, in order to prevent water vapor permeation, the solid electrolyte layer 23 preferably has a relative density (according to the Archimedes method) of 93% or greater, particularly 95% or greater, and preferably has a thickness of from 5 to 50 µm.
As described above, an anti-reaction layer may be provided between the solid electrolyte layer 23 and the outer electrode layer 24 which is described later. The anti-reaction layer is provided in order to strongly bond the solid electrolyte layer 23 with the outer electrode layer 24 and prevent a reaction product with a high electrical resistance from being formed by a reaction between a constituent of the solid electrolyte layer 23 and a constituent of the outer electrode layer 24.
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The anti-reaction layer may be formed by a composition that contains Cerium (Ce) and other rare earth element. The anti-reaction layer preferably has a composition expressed by, for example, (CeO) (REO), where RE represents at least one of SM, Y, Yb, and Gd, and x represents a number satisfying 0 < x ≤ 0.3. Furthermore, in order to reduce electrical resistance, Sm or Gd is preferably used as RE. For example, the anti-reaction layer preferably contains a CeO solid solution containing 10 to 20 mol% of SmO or GdO.
The anti-reaction layer may also be formed of two layers in order to strongly bond the solid electrolyte layer 23 with the outer electrode layer 24 and further prevent a reaction product having a high electrical resistance from being formed by a reaction between a constituent of the solid electrolyte layer 23 and a constituent of the outer electrode layer 24.
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The outer electrode layer 24 may be formed of a conductive ceramic containing so-called "ABO perovskite oxide". Examples of such a perovskite oxide preferably include a perovskite transition metal oxide, and particularly at least one of an LaMnO-based oxide, an LaFeO-based oxide, and an LaCoO-based oxide containing Sr and La in the A site. From the standpoint of having high electric conductivity at operation temperatures in the range of about from 600 to 1000° C, an LaCoO-based oxide is particularly preferred. It should be noted that, in the above-described perovskite-type oxide, Sr and La may exist in the A site, and cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) may exist in the B site.
The outer electrode layer 24 must be permeable to oxygen gas. Accordingly, the electrically conductive ceramic (perovskite oxide) that forms the outer electrode layer 24 preferably has an open porosity of 20% or greater, particularly in the range of from 30 to 50%. Furthermore, the outer electrode layer 24 preferably has a thickness of from 30 to 100 µm from the viewpoint of the conductivity of the electrolysis cells 4 and the fuel cells 10.
Further, the interconnector 25 is stacked on the flat face n opposite to the outer electrode layer 24 side of the support body 21.
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The interconnector 25 is preferably formed of an electrically conductive ceramic. Since the interconnector 25 comes in contact with the hydrogen-containing fluid and the oxygen-containing fluid, the interconnector 25 must be resistant to reduction and oxidation. Accordingly, for such an electrically conductive ceramic having reduction resistance and oxidation resistance, it is generally preferable that a lanthanum chromite-based perovskite oxide (LaCrO-based oxide) be used. Furthermore, an LaCrMgO-based oxide containing Mg in the B site is preferably used particularly from the viewpoint of bringing the thermal expansion coefficient of the interconnector 25 close to the thermal expansion coefficients of the support body 21 and the solid electrolyte layer 23. It should be noted that the amount of Mg may be suitably adjusted so that the thermal expansion coefficient of the interconnector 25 is close to the thermal expansion coefficients of the support body 21 and the solid electrolyte layer 23, specifically from 10 to 12 ppm/K.
A cohesion layer for reducing, for example, the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the interconnector 25 and the support body 21 as described above may also be provided between the support body 21 and the interconnector 25.
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Such a cohesion layer may have a composition similar to that of the inner electrode layer 22. For example, the cohesion layer may be formed from at least one of a rare earth element oxide, a ZrO solid solution containing a rare earth element oxide, and a CeO solid solution containing a rare earth element oxide, and Ni and/or NiO. More specifically, the cohesion layer may be formed from:, for example, a composition containing YO, and Ni and/or NiO; a composition containing a ZrO2 solid solution containing YO (YSZ), and Ni and/or NiO; or a composition containing a CeO solid solution containing an oxide of Y, Sm, Gd, or the like, and Ni and/or NiO. The content of a ZrO solid solution containing a rare earth element oxide or a CeO solid solution containing a rare earth element oxide and the content of Ni or NiO preferably exist in a ratio by volume of from 40:60 to 60:40 based on volume percentages after firing - reduction.
FIG. 2A
FIG. 2B
It should be noted that, in the electrolysis cell stack device 2 illustrated in , the outer electrode layer 24 of one electrolysis cell 4 is bonded to the interconnector 25 of another electrolysis cell 4 that is adjacent to the one electrolysis cell 4, and thus the electrolysis cells 4 are electrically connected to one another. Furthermore, the interconnector 25 of one electrolysis cell 4 and the outer electrode layer 24 of another electrolysis cell 4 need only be electrically connected with each other. For example, the interconnector 25 and the outer electrode layer 24 may be electrically connected with the current collection member (electrically conductive member) 27 placed therebetween as illustrated in .
In such an electrolysis cell stack 5, using electrolysis cells 4 that have no outer electrode layer 24 formed thereon, a paste that forms an outer electrode layer 24 is applied to the interconnector 25 of one electrolysis cell 4, the paste that forms an outer electrode layer 24 is applied to the solid electrolyte layer 23 of another electrolysis cell 4 adjacent to the one electrolysis cell 4, the two faces having the paste applied thereto are attached to each other, and then a heat treatment is applied to the faces, thereby allowing the interconnector 25 of the one adjacent electrolysis cell 4 and the outer electrode layer 24 of another electrolysis cell 4 to be directly bonded and electrically connected with each other.
The outer electrode layer 24, having a predetermined porosity as described above, has many pores communicating therethrough so as to form a gas-flow passage therein, which makes it possible to release the oxygen generated by the electrolysis reaction outside the outer electrode layer 24 through the gas-flow passage formed in the outer electrode layer 24. Therefore, with a simpler structure, it is possible to discharge the gas from the electrolysis cells 4 and electrically connect the plurality of electrolysis cells 4.
FIG. 2B
Further, in the fuel cell stack device 3 illustrated in , the electrically conductive adhesive 28 that bonds the interconnector 25 of one fuel cell 10 with the current collection member 27 need only have electrical conductivity. For example, the electrically conductive adhesive 28 may be formed from the same material as the outer electrode layer 28.
FIG. 3
is an exterior perspective view illustrating another example of the hybrid device of the present embodiment.
FIG. 3
FIG. 1
A hybrid device 29 illustrated in , compared to the hybrid device 1 illustrated in , differs in that the vaporizer 16 is disposed above the fuel cells 10 and in the middle portion of the fuel cell stack device 3 in the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 10.
Disposing the vaporizer 16 above the fuel cells 10 makes it possible to efficiently vaporize, above the fuel cells 10, water supplied to the vaporizer 16 into water vapor using the combustion heat generated by combusting the hydrogen-containing gas not used in power generation. As a result, the water vapor can be efficiently supplied to the electrolysis cell stack device 2.
Further, the vaporizer 16 is disposed in the middle portion of the fuel cell stack device 3 in the arrangement direction of the fuel cells 10, making it possible to decrease the temperature of the middle portion of the fuel cell stack device 3. This improves the temperature distribution, and improves the power generation efficiency.
FIG. 4
FIG. 5
FIG. 4
is an exterior perspective view illustrating yet another example of the hybrid device of the present embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view of an electrolysis cell stack device that constitutes the hybrid device illustrated in .
FIG. 1
FIG. 3
FIG. 4
In contrast to the configuration of the hybrid devices illustrated in and in which the water vapor supplied to the first manifold 6 flows through the distribution holes 26 from one end (lower end) to the other end (upper end) of the electrolysis cells 4 and the water vapor is collected into the second manifold 7, in a hybrid device 30 illustrated in , each of the electrolysis cells 4 includes two or more distribution holes 26, with one of the distribution holes 26 serving as a forward passage side distribution hole 36 and the other distribution hole 26 serving as a return passage side distribution hole 37, looping back the flow in the electrolysis cell 4 via a second manifold 31.
FIG. 5
FIG. 1
As illustrated in , the second manifold 31 includes a space 32 for distributing the fluid that has passed through the forward passage side distribution hole 36 to the return passage side distribution hole 37 on the other end portion (upper end portion) of the electrolysis cell 4 illustrated in .
FIG. 5
Meanwhile, in the interior of the first manifold 6, the left side as viewed from the front in serves as a supply part 34 of fluid (mainly water vapor-containing gas), and the right side serves as a collecting part 35 of fluid (mainly hydrogen-containing gas), and these are partitioned by a partitioning member 33.
Then, a lower end of the forward passage side distribution hole 36 provided in the electrolysis cell 4 and the supply part 34 communicate with each other and, as a result, a portion or all of the water vapor supplied to the supply part 34 promotes an electrolysis reaction while flowing upward through the forward passage side distribution hole 36, thereby forming a hydrogen-containing gas.
Then, the hydrogen generated by the electrolysis reaction and the water vapor-containing gas not used in the reaction continue to flow from above the forward passage side distribution hole 36 to the space 32 in the second manifold 31. That is, the second manifold 31 serves as a manifold through which the hydrogen-containing gas flows. Then, the fluid that has flowed to the space 32 continues to flow to the return passage side distribution hole 37, and flows downward through the return passage side distribution hole 37.
FIG. 4
Meanwhile, a lower end of the return passage side distribution hole 37 communicates with the collecting part 35. As a result, after flowing through the space 32 to the return passage side distribution hole 37 and then downward through the return passage side distribution hole 37, the fluid flows to the collecting part 35. The fluid that has flowed to the collecting part 35 is thus collected, making it possible to efficiently collect the hydrogen-containing gas. That is, in the hybrid device 30 illustrated in , the first manifold 6 of the electrolysis cell stack device 2 is a manifold that includes a supply part to which water vapor is supplied, and a collecting part that collects the hydrogen-containing gas. It should be noted that a portion or all of the water vapor contained in the fluid that has not promoted a reaction can promote an electrolysis reaction and generate hydrogen while flowing downward through this return passage side distribution hole 37.
FIG. 5
Further, the shaded section on a top face of the first manifold 6 in illustrates an insulating bonding material for fixing the electrolysis cells 4 and the first manifold 6.
Further, an inner face of the second manifold 31 may be circular arc shaped to ensure that the hydrogen-containing gas that has flowed through the forward passage side distribution hole 36 efficiently flows to the return passage side distribution hole 37.
Furthermore, the second manifold 31 may cover the electrolysis cell stack 5 in its entirety, or may be provided on the upper end of each of the electrolysis cells 4.
Such a hybrid device is capable of efficiently generating water vapor-containing gas in the electrolysis cell stack device 2 and efficiently generating power in the fuel cell stack device 3, making it possible to achieve a hybrid device having favorable efficiency.
FIG. 6
FIG. 1
is an exterior perspective view illustrating yet another example of the hybrid device of the present embodiment. Compared to the hybrid device 1 illustrated in , this hybrid device differs in that a reformer 39 that reforms a raw fuel is provided near the other end of the fuel cell stack device in the fuel cell stack device 3.
While, in the above-described hybrid devices, a portion of the hydrogen-containing gas generated by the electrolysis cell stack device 2 can be supplied to the fuel cell stack device 3, a significant amount of the hydrogen-containing gas may be externally extracted according to external requirements, decreasing the amount of the hydrogen-containing gas that can be supplied to the fuel cell stack device 3. Here, in the fuel cell stack device 3, the reformer 39 that reforms a raw fuel is provided near the other end of the fuel cell stack, making it possible to continue power generation by the fuel cell stack device 3 in a stable manner. As a result, the hybrid device 38 having further improved efficiency can be achieved.
It should be noted that a reformer capable of reforming water vapor with favorable reformation efficiency is preferably used as the reformer 39, and the reformer 39 preferably includes a vaporizing unit that vaporizes water and a reforming unit that includes a reforming catalyst. Further, a raw fuel supply pipe 40 for supplying a raw fuel such as a hydrocarbon gas is connected to the reformer 39.
Further, combustion heat generated by combusting excess hydrogen-containing gas not used in power generation can efficiently increase the temperature of the reformer 39 above the fuel cells 10, making it possible to shorten the activation time of the reformer 39 and improve reformation efficiency.
FIG. 6
It should be noted that while illustrates an example in which the reformer 39 capable of reforming water vapor and the vaporizer 16 are separately provided, a configuration in which the vaporizing unit of the reformer 39 is commonly used, and the water vapor is supplied to the electrolysis cell stack device 2 by the vaporizing unit provided in the reformer 39 is also possible, for example.
FIG. 1
Furthermore, while not illustrated in the figure, the hydrogen-containing gas generated by a reformation reaction in the reformer 39 is supplied to the manifold 12 through a fuel supply pipe that connects the reformer 39 with the manifold 12 of the fuel cell stack device 3. It should be noted that, at activation, the raw fuel, which has been supplied until the start of the reformation reaction of the reformer 39 is continuously supplied to the manifold 12. The raw fuel passes through the fuel cells 10 and then combusts above the fuel cells 10. Therefore, the fuel supply pipe that connects the reformer 39 with the manifold 12 of the fuel cell stack device 3 plays the role of the fuel supply pipe 20 illustrated in .
Meanwhile, because the hydrogen-containing gas flows in the second manifolds 7, 31 of the above-described electrolysis cell stack device 2, the inner faces of the second manifolds 7, 31 preferably have shapes with a predetermined distance to the other end (upper end) of the electrolysis cells 4.
Further, the first manifold 6 and the second manifolds 7, 31 can be made of a material having thermal resistance, such as a ceramic, or a metal. However, when the first manifold 6 and the second manifolds 7, 31 are formed of a metal, the first manifold 6 and the second manifolds 7, 31 are preferably insulated from the electrolysis cells 4. Therefore, for example, the first manifold 6 and the second manifolds 7, 31 are preferably disposed spaced apart from the electrolysis cells 4 and fixed to the electrolysis cells 4 with an insulating adhesive such as glass. Further, in order to prevent the inner faces of the second manifolds 7, 31 from coming in contact with the electrolysis cells 4, an insulating annular or tubular member is preferably disposed on the other end (upper end) of the electrolysis cells 4 and an insulating coating is applied to the inner faces of the second manifolds 7, 31, so as to insulate the second manifolds 7, 31 from the electrolysis cells 4. This makes it possible to prevent a fluid such as the water vapor or hydrogen-containing gas that flows through the distribution holes 26 from leaking while maintaining the insulation of the first manifold 6 and the second manifolds 7, 31 from the electrolysis cells 4. It should be noted that when the insulating annular or tubular member is disposed between the second manifolds 7, 31 and the electrolysis cells 4, the inside of the annular or tubular shape serves as the space 32.
FIGS. 7A and 7B
FIG. 7A
FIG. 1
FIG. 7B
FIG. 6
are block diagrams illustrating portions extracted from the configuration of a hybrid system including the hybrid device of the present embodiment. illustrates a portion extracted from the configuration of the hybrid device 1 illustrated in , and illustrates a portion extracted from the configuration of the hybrid device 38 illustrated in .
FIG. 7A
FIGS. 7A and 7B
In , the fuel supply pipe 20 is connected to the manifold 12 of the fuel cell stack device, and a fuel pump 42 is provided upstream of the fuel supply pipe 20. Meanwhile, with regard to the oxygen-containing gas, an oxygen-containing gas distribution passage 47 that supplies an oxygen-containing gas to the outer electrode layers of the fuel cells 10 and an oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 48 connected to the first manifold 12 are provided, and an oxygen-containing gas supply device (blower) 41 is connected on the upstream of the oxygen-containing gas distribution passage 47 and the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 48. It should be noted that while illustrate examples in which a single oxygen-containing gas supply device 41 causes the oxygen-containing gas to flow to the oxygen-containing gas distribution passage 47 and the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 48, an oxygen-containing gas supplying device 41 may be provided on each of the oxygen-containing gas distribution passage 47 and the oxygen-containing gas supply pipe 48. Further, to the manifold 12, water vapor may be supplied instead of the oxygen-containing gas.
Meanwhile, a water pump 43 serving as a water supply device is provided on the upstream of a water supply pipe 15 that supplies water to the vaporizer 16. This makes it possible to suitably supply water to the vaporizer 16. Further, the vaporizer 16 and the first manifold 6 of the electrolysis cell stack device are connected by the water vapor inflow pipe 17.
FIGS. 7A and 7B
Further, the gas lead-out pipe 18 that leads out the hydrogen-containing gas generated in the electrolysis cell stack device 5, and the gas lead-in pipe 19 for introducing the hydrogen-containing gas to the manifold 12 of the fuel cell stack device are connected to the second manifold 7. It should be noted that, in , a valve 49 is provided in the gas lead-out pipe 18.
Further, an ignition device 52 for combusting the hydrogen-containing gas not used in power generation, and a temperature sensor 53 for measuring the temperature of the fuel cell stack are provided near the fuel cells 10.
FIG. 7B
In , in addition to the above-described configuration, a fuel supply pipe 50 that supplies the raw fuel to the reformer 39 is connected, and the fuel pump 42 for supplying the raw fuel is provided upstream of the fuel supply pipe 50. On the other hand, for efficient reformation of water vapor in the reformer 39, a water supply pipe 51 is connected to the reformer 39, and a water pump 46 is provided upstream of the water supply pipe 51.
Then, a current generated in the fuel cell stack device is converted from DC to AC through a power conditioner 44 and then supplied to the outside, and the various pumps and the like are controlled by a controller 45. It should be noted that the controller 45 includes a microcomputer as well as an input/output interface, a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM. Further, the CPU controls the hybrid device, the RAM temporarily stores variables required for program execution, and the ROM stores a program.
It should be noted that the above-described hybrid device is a hybrid module housed in a housing container, and this is indicated by the chain lines in the figures. In the housing container, an insulating material for retaining temperature, a heater for increasing and retaining the temperatures of the electrolysis cell stack device 2 and the fuel cell stack device 3, and the like may be provided.
FIG. 8
Next, an example of the activation process of the hybrid device 1 of the present embodiment will be described using . In the present embodiment, the activation process refers to a process until the electrolysis reaction can be started in the electrolysis cell stack device, power generation can be started in the fuel cell stack device 3, and a rated operation is possible.
FIG. 8
First, when activation of the hybrid device 1 is started, in step S1, a raw fuel such as a city gas or a propane gas is supplied through the fuel supply pipe to the manifold (indicated as "SOFC manifold" in ) of the fuel cell stack device. In addition, an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the outer electrode layer of the fuel cell stack device. Examples of the oxygen-containing gas supply device that supplies the oxygen-containing gas include a blower.
Subsequently, in step S2, the ignition device is activated to combust the raw fuel discharged from the distribution holes 26 of the fuel cells 10. It should be noted that the ignition device need only be disposed above the fuel cell stack device, and examples of the ignition device may include an ignition heater.
Subsequently, in step S3, the water pump is activated to supply water to the vaporizer. It should be noted, at this point in time, the temperature of the fuel cell stack device may not be sufficiently increased, which may fail to vaporize water. Therefore, valves may be provided to the vaporizer and the water vapor inflow pipe, a temperature sensor may be provided to the vaporizer, and control for opening the valves after the temperature measured by the temperature sensor has reached a water vaporization temperature may be performed, for example.
When water is supplied to the vaporizer and water vapor is generated, the water vapor is supplied to the first manifold of the electrolysis cell stack device through the water vapor inflow pipe. The water vapor supplied to the first manifold flows upward through the distribution holes of the electrolysis cells. In this case, the temperature of the electrolysis cell stack device is not sufficiently increased, and therefore the water vapor flowing through the distribution holes of the electrolysis cells flows to the second manifold as water vapor. The water vapor that has flowed through the second manifold is supplied to the manifold of the fuel cell stack device through the gas lead-in pipe. Needless to say, in this case, the valves are controlled to prevent the water vapor from being released to the outside through the gas distribution pipe.
Here, the flow proceeds to step S4 where whether or not the water vapor has been supplied from the electrolysis cell stack device to the manifold of the fuel cell stack device is detected. In other words, whether or not the water has been vaporized in the vaporizer is detected. Examples of the detection method include a method in which a sensor such as a humidity sensor is disposed in the gas lead-in pipe and whether or not water vapor is flowing through the gas lead-in pipe is verified.
Here, when it has been determined that water vapor has not flowed from the electrolysis cell stack device to the manifold of the fuel cell stack device, the flow proceeds to step S5 where whether or not the temperature of the fuel cell stack device is less than a predetermined first set temperature is detected. That is, while the raw fuel is continually supplied to the manifold of the fuel cell stack device and the water vapor has not been supplied to the manifold of the fuel cell stack device, whether or not the fuel cell stack device has reached the first set temperature is detected. Incidentally, the temperature of the fuel cell stack device can be measured by providing a temperature sensor near the fuel cell stack device.
If the temperature of the fuel cell stack device is less than the first set temperature, there is a low possibility that the carbon contained in the raw fuel will precipitate, and therefore the flow returns to step S4 where whether or not the water vapor has been supplied from the electrolysis cell stack device to the manifold of the fuel cell stack device is detected.
On the other hand, if the temperature of the fuel cell stack device is the first set temperature or greater, the possibility that the carbon contained in the raw fuel will precipitate increases. When the carbon precipitates, the performance of the fuel cells deteriorates. Thus, the flow proceeds to step S6 where water vapor and oxygen-containing gas are supplied directly to the manifold of the fuel cell stack device using an auxiliary device (oxygen-containing gas supply device and water vapor supply device) to prevent precipitation of the carbon. It should be noted that the oxygen-containing gas may be supplied by concurrently using, for example, the blower that supplies the oxygen-containing gas to the outer electrode layer of the fuel cell stack device. The direct supply of water vapor and oxygen-containing gas to the manifold of the fuel cell stack device makes it possible to suppress carbon precipitation that is caused by decomposition of the raw fuel. It should be noted that the first set temperature need only be less than the temperature at which carbon precipitation caused by decomposition of the raw fuel is started, and the first set temperature can be suitably set in a range of from 200 to 350°C in accordance with the raw fuel type.
When it is determined that the water vapor has been supplied from the electrolysis cell stack device to the manifold of the fuel cell stack device in step S4, or the water vapor and oxygen-containing gas have been directly supplied to the manifold of the fuel cell stack device in step S6, the flow proceeds to step S7 where whether or not the temperature of the fuel cell stack device is greater than or equal to a second set temperature (temperature allowing power generation to be started) that is greater than the first set temperature is verified.
In step S7, after the temperature of the fuel cell stack device is greater than or equal to the second set temperature (temperature allowing power generation to be started), power generation in the fuel cell stack device is started. It should be noted that the raw fuel can be reformed (that is, internal reformation) by establishing the fuel cells as fuel cells that contain Ni or the like. Further, a reforming catalyst may be disposed in the manifold of the fuel cell stack device. Furthermore, when a reformer that reforms the raw fuel is included, a sufficient reformation reaction can be achieved at this temperature.
After power generation in the fuel cell stack device is started, the temperature of the electrolysis cell stack device 2 is increased by the heat generated by power generation and the combustion heat generated by combusting the hydrogen-containing gas not used in power generation above the fuel cells.
In step S9, whether or not the temperature of the electrolysis cell stack device is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature (suitably configurable in a range of from 250 to 350°C) that serves as a minimum limit value for oxidation of Ni, which serves as the main component of the cathode and the conductive support body of the electrolysis cells, by water vapor is detected. It should be noted that the temperature of the fuel cell stack device can be measured by disposing a temperature sensor near the fuel cell stack device.
When it is determined that the temperature of the electrolysis cell stack device is less than the predetermined temperature, the flow returns once again to step S9 where measurement of the temperature of electrolysis cell stack device is repeated.
On the other hand, when it is determined that the temperature of the electrolysis cell stack device is the predetermined temperature or greater, the flow proceeds to step S10 where a current is allowed to flow to the electrolysis cell stack device through the end conductive member. It should be noted that this current may be supplied by a so-called system power supply, or a portion of the electrical power generated by the power generation in the fuel cell stack device may be supplied to the electrolysis cell stack device. The current flows to the electrolysis cell stack device, thereby promoting an electrolysis reaction in the electrolysis cells and generating a hydrogen-containing gas. As a result, even if the temperature reaches the temperature at which Ni, the main component of the cathode and the conductive support body of the electrolysis cells, is oxidized by water vapor, it is possible to reduce a risk of oxidation of the material and obtain a hydrogen-containing gas. It should be noted that at least a portion of the hydrogen-containing gas generated by this electrolysis reaction is supplied to the manifold of the fuel cell stack device.
Subsequently, the flow proceeds to step S11 where whether or not the hydrogen-containing gas supplied by the electrolysis cell stack device has been supplied to the manifold of the fuel cell stack device in a predetermined amount or greater is detected. When the hydrogen-containing gas has been supplied to the manifold of the fuel cell stack device in the predetermined amount or greater, raw fuel no longer needs to be supplied through the fuel supply pipe, and therefore the flow proceeds to step S12 where the supply of the raw fuel is stopped.
It should be noted that examples of methods used to detect whether or not the hydrogen-containing gas supplied by the electrolysis cell stack device has been supplied to the manifold of the fuel cell stack device in the predetermined amount or greater include, for example, disposing two pressure sensors on the gas lead-in pipe and detecting the amount of the hydrogen-containing gas on the basis of the difference of the pressures measured by the pressure sensors, and providing a hydrogen sensor in addition to these sensors, detecting the hydrogen concentration, and detecting whether or not the hydrogen-containing gas supplied by the electrolysis cell stack device has been supplied in the predetermined amount or greater on the basis of the amount of the hydrogen-containing gas and the hydrogen concentration information. This predetermined amount may be suitably set in accordance with, for example, the number of fuel cells that constitute the fuel cell stack device, but is preferably at least a minimum flow amount that allows power generation in the fuel cells. It should be noted that, when a reformer is provided, the amount may be suitably set taking into consideration the amount of hydrogen-containing gas generated by the reformer.
With the above-described operation control, the controller need only start normal operation (rated operation) control after the activation processing is completed. That is, the controller only has to suitably control the operation of each device on the basis of the temperatures of the electrolysis cell stack device and the fuel cell stack device, the external load, the necessary amount of hydrogen-containing gas to be discharged from the gas distribution pipe, and the like.
Next, an example of stopping the operation of the hybrid device 1 of the present embodiment will be described.
When stopping the operation of the hybrid device, first the supply of a current to the external load and the electrolysis cell stack device is stopped to terminate the power generation in the fuel cell stack device. This reduces a joule heat of the fuel cell stack device and reduces the temperature of the fuel cell stack device. Additionally, the amounts of the raw fuel and the hydrogen-containing gas supplied to the fuel cell stack device as well as the amount of the raw fuel supplied to the reformer may be decreased. This makes it possible to reduce the temperature of the fuel cell stack device more quickly.
After the supply of a current from the fuel cell stack device is stopped, the amount of current that flows to the fuel cell stack device is decreased so as to retard the electrolysis reaction in the electrolysis cell stack device.
As described above, when the temperature of the fuel cell stack device is a predetermined temperature (first set temperature) or greater, the possibility that the carbon contained in the raw fuel will precipitate increases. Therefore, when the temperature of the fuel cell stack device is the predetermined temperature or greater, water vapor-containing gas is preferably supplied from the electrolysis cell stack device so as to suppress the deterioration of the fuel cells.
Thus, at least until the temperature of the fuel cell stack device is less than the predetermined temperature, the operation of the electrolysis cell stack device preferably continues.
However, when operation of the electrolysis cell stack device in a steady state continues, a gas containing a small amount of water vapor is supplied to the fuel cell stack device. Thus, a gas containing a large amount of water vapor can be supplied to the fuel cell stack device by decreasing the amount of current that flows to the electrolysis cell stack device and suppressing the electrolysis reaction, for example.
It should be noted that, in this case, the amount of water supplied to the vaporizer may also be decreased in accordance with the amount of water vapor supplied to the fuel cell stack device.
Then, after the temperature of the fuel cell stack device is less than the predetermined temperature (first set temperature), the supply of raw fuel and oxygen-containing gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack device is stopped, the flow of a current to the electrolysis cell stack device is stopped, and the water supply to the vaporizer is stopped.
The controller performs the above-described control, so that the deterioration of the fuel cells can be suppressed and a hybrid system having improved reliability can be achieved.
The present invention has been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications, improvements, and the like can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
For example, while the above-described example has been described using vertically striped cells as the electrolysis cells and the fuel cells, so-called horizontally striped cells formed by a plurality of electrolysis element parts and power generating element parts in which the inner electrode layer 22, the solid electrolyte layer 23, and the outer electrode layer 24 are disposed in order on the support body may be used.
1, 29, 30
2
3
4
5
6
7, 31
10
11
12
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
26
32
33
34
35
36
37
39
40
Hybrid device
Electrolysis cell stack device
Fuel cell stack device
Electrolysis cell
Electrolysis cell stack
First manifold
Second manifold
Fuel cell
Fuel cell stack
Manifold
Water supply pipe
Vaporizer
Water vapor inflow pipe
Gas lead-out pipe
Gas lead-in pipe
Fuel supply pipe
Conductive support body
Inner electrode layer
Solid electrolyte layer
Outer electrode layer
Distribution hole
Space
Partitioning member
Supply part
Collecting part
Forward passage side distribution hole
Return passage side distribution hole
Reformer
Raw fuel supply pipe | |
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quality of working life
Also found in:
Acronyms
.
quality of working life (QWL)
an approach to organizational and work design which advocates the merit of considering the well-being of employees, their participation in work-related decisions, and, relatedly organizational effectiveness. The term originated in the US in the 1960s, but the underlying theoretical impetus derives from earlier European
SOCIOTECHNICAL SYSTEMS
writings and experiments, and QWL programmes have occurred in various countries. The QWL movement has been concerned with employee health, safety and job satisfaction, and has been associated with attempts to develop techniques and methods for improving the experience of work. These include
JOB REDESIGN
, autonomous work groups, and labour-management committees (Huse and Cummings, 1985). Critics of such programmes suggest that managers are the main beneficiaries. Autonomous work groups, it is argued, help to resolve management problems of control which typically arise from a Taylorian approach to work design (see
SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT
), and do so in ways which involve insignificant adjustment to managerial prerogative. Moreover, traditional work design is seen to be less suited to conditions of tight labour markets and turbulent environments. This kind of reasoning underpins some of the more critical assessments of QWL programmes, the popularity of which appears to have waned since the 1970s (Hill, 1981). Such views have to be placed alongside those of theorists and practitioners who suggest that employees also derive considerable benefits from participation in the redesign of work (Mumford, 1980).
Mentioned in
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human-centred technology
industrial democracy
job redesign
References in periodicals archive
?
The perceived
quality of working life
in Croatia and the European Union.
Effects of Organizational Values on Quality of Work Life/Efeitos dos Valores Organizacionais Sobre a Qualidade de Vida no Trabalho/Efectos de los valores organizacionales sobre la calidad de vida laboral
Scholars like Mirvis and Lawler highlighted the fact that
Quality of working life
was related to satisfaction with wages, hours and working conditions, describing the "basic elements of a good quality of work life" as well as safe working environment, equitable wages, equal employment opportunities and opportunities for advancement.
Sustainable quality of work life and job satisfaction: an Indian case study
Quality of working life
in international perspective.
WRKLFQUAL: a tool for measuring Quality of Work Life
In August 1973, the International Council for the
Quality of Working Life
was created, to promote research.
An exploratory study on perceived quality of working life among sales professionals employed in pharmaceutical, banking, finance and insurance companies in Mumbai
The expression
quality of working life
(QWL) was probably coined originally at the first international conference on QWL at Arden House in 1972 (Davis and Cherns 1975).
Perceptual factors in quality of work life of Indian employees
Left alone, it will only serve to reduce morale and lower the
quality of working life
.
Command and control? Findings from a recent report shows that a 'command and control' approach to work hinders productivity in the engineering sector. PWE reports
Job quality is an inherent component of the
quality of working life
and hence an issue of growing significance in contemporary labour markets.
Job quality: what does it mean, what does it matter? Comparisons between Australia and the UAE
HUDDERSFIELD University has been ranked the best in the country by academic staff for the
quality of working life
.
QUALITY OF LIFE IS HERE!
The report, called the
Quality of Working Life
has been issued in support of the TUC's Work Your Proper Hours campaign.
Managers 'working late for no reward'
Raising the "participation in education" age to 18 (announced in last year's Queen's speech) will help, but training for all young workers, including supporting more through apprenticeships, will help to improve the
quality of working life
, too.
WORK BETTER FOR YOUNG WORKERS
The
Quality of Working Life
report also found a high rate of sickness and absence levels in organisations exhibiting such styles.
Kicking for bossyboots; EMPLOYMENT: Macho management doesn't work
The
Quality of Working Life
report reveals 25% of managers in the North East believe their health is deteriorating.
We're sick of the pressure; Wrong attitudes to illness
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quality of working life
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Need help figuring out how to increase your content's readability and what factors go into determining your readability score?
Readability is a vital goal for any piece of writing.
Besides clarity, it is one of the essential elements of solid content.
The problem is, there's just so much information explaining how to boost your writing's readability scores but no assurances that they actually work, nor which ones are actually effective.
In this article, we will discuss readability, how to calculate your readability score, and proven strategies for permanently enhancing readability without fail.
Stick with us to find out!
Readability is a rating that evaluates how easy your content is to read and understand. A score or grade for readability is a common way to express this value.
The formula for calculating the readability score can produce a wide range of possible results, which we'll discuss in a bit.
And if you've ever used Hemingway's editor, you know that it includes a readability grade score.
If you never actually paid attention to the readability grade, let’s find out why it matters that much.
"Writing can be either readable or precise, but not at the same time." -Bertrand Russell
Bertrand Russell provided the finest justification for the importance of readability.
And this quote makes a lot of sense once you think about it. Ask yourself these questions:
How often do you make last-minute edits to your work so that it's easier on the eyes before you hit the publish button?
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I'll tell you - rarely!
Why is that?
This is because both writers and readers benefit when the text is easy to read.
In a sea of content covering the same ground, readability is that "one" thing that will set you apart.
But how can I ensure a high level of readability, and what techniques do the best job? Let's find out.
If you look for advice on how to improve readability online, you'll find a lot of content that is very similar. Most steps include the following advices:
There is no doubt that implementing these suggestions will significantly increase the readability of your work. But our strategy is a bit different.
Let's be honest here. In today's era, where AI plays such a significant role in the content creation process, humans hardly ever perform these tasks by hand.
Thus, we'll provide steps to tweak your text and achieve a high readability score with the assistance of rewriting features that AI writing assistants, such as TextCortex, can offer.
Let's dive in!
Rearranging the wording order and trying out different synonyms while keeping the original idea intact is the best way to improve the readability of the original content.
In fact, writers frequently employ this technique because it enables you to edit the sentences and paragraphs without starting from scratch.
Now, tools such as TextCortex’ rewriting add-on, enables you to do that, without overthinking the output.
Simply select the sentence or the entire paragraph, then click the logo.
Under the highlighted text, the menu bar will appear, allowing you to select the necessary option to edit your text.
When you select the "Rewrite feature," you can select the rewriting option that most accurately fits the context of your original idea.
The main advantage of this feature is its capacity to paraphrase several paragraphs at once. This allows for a quicker rewriting of larger sections of text while maintaining a consistent writing style.
This is crucial since readability is greatly affected by inconsistencies in writing style and content quality.
Extra details are needed to make certain lines read more smoothly.
As an illustration, the statement "The weather is bad today." doesn't provide enough detail, does it?
If you want to add some flavor, you could say something like, "The weather is awful today since it is raining badly." Better?
Overusing short sentences might reduce reading because they are less engaging.
For situations such as this one, features such as TextCortex ‘Expand’ option can do the trick.
Once more, highlight the sentences you want to extend, then hit the logo and choose the "Expand" option.
The 'Expand' function will significantly boost your text and word count, while providing an output that matches the original text and inspiring new ideas for content creation.
While this may seem to go against the previous instruction, sentences or paragraphs that are too long can be intimidating.
In fact, this is one of the most typical causes of high readability scores, which is undesirable.
If the reader has to reread a sentence or paragraph several times before fully understanding it, the text is too complicated and needs to be simplified.
The question is, how? Just break up those long sentences into several shorter ones, or delete unnecessary words.
The alternative is to use pre-existing features, such as TextCortex's ‘Summarize’ function.
With this feature, you can cherry-pick the most relevant parts of a sentence or paragraph for further modification.
Furthermore, using this feature makes it much easier to get the sense of a large section of text quickly.
Select the desired text, then select the logo and the ‘Summarize’ option.
The 'Summarize' function is a time-saver when writing high-quality content because it condenses long texts down to their most crucial points.
“The tone can paint what the eyes can’t see.” -Chinese Proverb
The tone is imperative! In a nutshell, yes.
And, when writing, many authors fail to remember this vital point.
Okay, so let’s assume you've walked into a furniture store. A seller approaches you, full of arrogance and ego, and says, "You don't have a deep enough pocket for goods of this quality." So, tell me, what do you do?
Leave the store or immediately ask for a manager. A rough start, right?
There will be no online sales if we writers don't pay attention to the tone of our sentences, and you certainly wouldn't take my advice seriously today if I didn't.
The art of modulating your tone is something that you develop through experience. However, there are tools available that can help you craft your words so that they take on a particular flavor.
One of such features is the TextCortex’s 'Tone' function.
Once you select the paragraph you want to edit and click on the feature, you can choose the desirable tone of voice at the bottom of the suggestion window.
Then, TextCortex add-on will provide output appropriate to the writing form, style, and context to emphasize the message in the way you specify.
Some of the tones you can choose between are:
Copy the output from each voice to see how they stack up against one another if you're on the fence about which one is the best fit for your writing intent.
Now that we know advanced ways on how to improve readability of your content, let’s finally learn how to calculate its readability score.
Here we’ll list the well-known formulas for counting your content readability score.
This formula measures word syllables and sentence length.
The score 1 is the hardest to read, while score 100 is the easiest.
The mathematical formula:
RE = 206.835 - (1.015 x ASL) - (84.6 x ASW)
RE = Readability Ease
ASL = Average Sentence Length (i.e., the number of words divided by the number of sentences)
ASW = Average number of syllables per word (i.e., the number of syllables divided by the number of words)
With this formula, you want to see a score between 60 and 70.
Flesch-formula Kincaid's measures syllables and sentence length. The results are not a score but a grade level—for example, "12" means 12th-grade level writing.
The mathematical formula is:
FKRA = (0.39 x ASL) + (11.8 x ASW) - 15.59
Where,
FKRA = Flesch-Kincaid Reading Age
ASL = Average Sentence Length (i.e., the number of words divided by the number of sentences)
ASW = Average number of Syllable per Word (i.e., the number of syllables divided by the number of words)
Consider writing at a 7th to 8th-grade level.
Gunning-Fog looks at complex words, proper nouns, jargon, and compound words. Like Flesch-Kincaid, it gives grade levels but with no upper limit.
The mathematical formula is:
Grade Level = 0.4 (ASL + PHW)
where,
ASL = Average Sentence Length (i.e., number of words divided by the number of sentences)
PHW = Percentage of Hard Words
For this formula, scores such as 7-8 are the ideal score you should aim for.
Instead of words or syllables, this formula counts characters. Results are graded 1-12.
The mathematical formula is:
CLI = 0.0588 x 448(L) - 0.296 x 4.0(S) - 15.8 = 10.6
Like the above results, scores 7 or 8 are most desirable for ideal readability.
Simple Measure of Gobbledygook This formula takes 10 sentences from the beginning, 10 from the middle, and 10 from the end. It counts every 3-syllable word in each group, calculates the square root, rounds to the nearest 10, and adds 3.
The mathematical formula is:
SMOG grade = 3 + Square Root of Polysyllable Count
SMOG index scores of 7 or 8 are ideal.
This counts characters per word and sentences.
The mathematical formula is:
Again, Grade 7 or 8 is recommended.
We've established that readability is a major factor in the positive response your content receives from its audience.
The readers' score, on the other hand, provides a quantitative measure of the perceived difficulty of the textual material presented in your work.
We hope that these suggestions for enhancing the readability of your content prove useful.
And how about you stop stressing over whether or not your content is perfect, and start relying on a trustworthy software that can do all that hard work for you?
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Save time and grow business using TextCortex. Generate marketing and website content in seconds using AI today. | https://textcortex.com/post/how-to-improve-readability-of-your-content |
Despite the exertions of yesterday, we were all up together fairly swiftly and fairly early this morning. I did my packing and Sandy was stuffing the last bits and pieces into various bags as the kids were doing their level best not to annoy each other (rather unsuccessfully I have to say). It seemed that our last breakfast was looking like it would solve that problem and so we headed down there to top up for the day. As ever, the breakfast was just superb and everyone was able to have exactly what they wanted most. Just as we had finished eating and were getting ready to head out, we were once again treated to a spontaneous and unexpected serenade by a dozen or so staff and musicians for one final Isa Lei goodbye song. Once again, I found I was moved to tears. It’s such a beautiful song and I’m starting to wonder whether Sandy had hit the nail on the head by suggesting earlier in the week that we had somehow been singled out for special attention. In all our dealings with the Outrigger staff, we have certainly felt like we’ve been treated very specially.
The rain and overcast skies were blown clear away last night and we emerged from the Vale Ni Kane buffet restaurant into near clear blue skies with 30 degrees of pleasant warmth. We spent the one last remaining hour at the resort by the pool with the kids enjoying one last splash around.
As the kids were enjoying themselves for one last time, I took the opportunity to nip up to main reception to settle our bill. We had mostly paid everything by cash since we arrived, so as to maintain an overview of our level of spending, but some spa treatments, the SCUBA diving, a few meals here and there and other bits and bobs were put on our room over the course of the week. In addition to the nearly $3,000 Fijian Dollars that we had spent so far, the final bill came to just over $2,000 Fijian Dollars. Money that we spent whilst in Fiji on food, SCUBA diving, spa treatments, excursions, etc., came to a total, then, of AU$3,000 (Australian Dollars). All up, our Fijian holiday of bliss cost me a total of AU$10,900 (Australian Dollars) - plus whatever I lost in income for not working for the week. Best money I’ve ever spent.
We reluctantly waved a fond farewell to the Outrigger On The Lagoon, as our private bus finally pulled away. Isa Lei, Outrigger Fiji. We truly had an absolutely fantastic time and we will miss you so very dearly. I hope to one day return again to these shores and to the warmth of the Fijian people. | https://chrisandsandymorgan.com/fiji-day-8/ |
The Hilditch Group is one of Europe’s leading specialists in the management, auction, recycling and disposal of all types of medical equipment working virtually all NHS trusts & many leading brand manufacturers.
The Hilditch Group are currently seeking a Digital Marketing Manager to drive and implement the marketing strategy and develop the company’s market positioning. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a growing company, to have significant autonomy and to develop the role.
The ideal candidate would have a strong focus on digital experience, but also broad, hands on experience in marketing implementation.
They will be charged with developing, implementing and managing marketing campaigns with a focus on digital. Building brand awareness within the digital space, as well as driving website traffic and acquiring leads/customers.
Job responsibilities, include but are not limited to:
- Create and monitor PPC and display campaigns
- Managing online profile and SEO
- Work on CMS content and upload for websites
- Defining the marketing priorities & allocation of budget
- Planning, developing and implementing effective marketing communication campaigns.
- Using the full marketing mix for the company’s marketing communications.
- Writing copy for marketing collateral, including brochures, letters, emails and websites.
- Understanding the product and customer profile and tailoring the message.
- Undertaking detailed ongoing analysis of marketing campaigns to ensure targets are met.
Experience and skills required:
- Demonstrable previous experience in a similar role, and ideally related qualifications
- A solid understanding of PPC, Display, Google Analytics and SEO.
- Ability to work through marketing channels, and in most areas.
- Strong organisational skills.
- Microsoft Office and ideally Content Management System experience.
- A confident communicator, able to work effectively with a broad spectrum of people. | https://hilditchgroup.com/it/Jobs |
Obtain a detailed understanding of the key terms, definitions and requirements of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems and how the standard can help your organization to better meet customer needs.
In today's fast paced environment, customers are more demanding and the competition more intense. Delivering quality products and services is more crucial than ever for survival and long-term success. Having an internationally recognized Quality Management System (QMS) allows you to enhance organizational performance, increase customer satisfaction and gain a competitive edge. Identify the structure and requirements of an effective QMS and what this means for you. Gain a thorough understanding of the history and development of ISO 9001:2015, key terms, definitions and the ISO standardized high level structure. You'll learn to interpret and apply the key concepts and principles of the standard to existing processes within your organization.
Course Benefits
This course will help you:
- Identify the key requirements and benefits of ISO 9001:2015
- Manage quality and drive continual improvement
- Take steps to ensure that quality is at the heart of your organization
- Attract and retain customers by meeting their current and future needs better
- Give your organization the competitive edge globally through improved quality standards
- Boost employee, customer and stakeholder confidence and loyalty
- Secure future business success
Who should attend? | https://www.bsigroup.com/en-NZ/ISO-9001-Quality-Management-Systems/Training-courses-for-ISO-9001/Introduction-to-ISO-90012015/ |
Jan 11, 2016 How to Build a Sandbox 17 DIY Plans. Kids love to play with mud, sand and all things messy. Building them a sandbox could keep them engaged for hours together. Firstly, you need to hunt for a suitable area in the backyard with sufficient capacity. Then clear it off the outgrowth and get yourself to work with wood.Sand and gravel typically are mined in a moist or wet condition by open pit excavation or by dredging. Open pit excavation is carried out with power shovels, draglines, front end loaders, and bucket wheel excavators. In rare situations, light charge blasting is.
We need the following 4 - 16 inch 2x4 4 - 13 inch 2x4 8 - 1 2 inch washers, or any size washers that suit you 2 - 3 inch PVC couplings 2 16 inch squares of plywood. I used 3 8 inch. Use what you want. wood screws (for the base, I used 6 X 3 4 and for the frame itself I used 2 X 8) maybe wood putty sand paper paint (if you want) I will say, that I have found my construction grade.
How to Build a Washer Toss Game Set Cut the 2x4s and plywood to size and sand them smooth. For each box, position four 2x4s (two 16-inch lengths and two 13-inch lengths) on a level surface with the narrow edge down and equal-sized boards at opposite sides to create a square. To hold this together, a couple of clamps should work.
Jun 15, 2007 Dig down about 4 to 6 inches, lay some landscape fabric, and fill with sand. The decomposed granite would be great for the area around the pits or a walkway between the pits. The sand is cheap and easy to replace over time. I think you'll get tired of cleaning up the granite that the washers continually kick up. Bird93 9 10a, 6 14 07 AG.
Jul 09, 2021 Step 11 Lay fabric over square. Lay the landscape fabric over the square. Make sure it lays flat against your layer of sand. If it doesn't, add sand. Staple it to the timbers to hold the fabric in place while you finish building your sandbox for dogs. Keep power tools and staplers away from children.
Apr 30, 2021 Usually called play sand, prepackaged, multipurpose sand is typically washed river sand, which is smooth and clean. A 50-pound bag takes up about 1 2 of a cubic foot. You don't need sand all the way to the top, so 64 bags will be enough to fill an 8-foot-by-8-foot sandbox about halfway for an ideal play space.
Apr 12, 2017 Utility Sand. Some private outdoor horseshoe pits contain utility sand, which is commonly used in landscaping. A bit heavier than play sand, utility sand holds up and stays in the pit area better than its counterpart. This sand is gravelly and rough, and tends to be slippery when dry. It also must be lightly sprinkled with water during play.
Apr 09, 2008 The washer “pits” (where the cups are buried) should be approximately 48 inches square and be comprised of a sandy or loamy soil. The game is played to 21 points. The closest washer to the cup is awarded 1 point. A “hanger” - any washer protruding over the edge of the inside of the cup - is awarded 3 points. A “cupper” gets you 5.
1. I cut my plywood sheet to 2 – 30” x 33” pieces for the base. I allowed extra room on one side for the handle I wanted to put in so I could drag the pits around when I needed to. 2. Next I cut 4 of the 2x4s to 30” and 4 others to 27″ so that together they will make a 30″ x 30″ square since the wood is 1.5” thick. 3.
Nov 05, 2018 They are not really necessary but they help with the scoring. What you’ll need for a pit are two 8” landscape timbers. You should cut them in two pieces of 5” and 3”. Connect the timbers and fill the pit with earth to the top of the frame. A cup is usually placed closer to the far end, around 31’’ from the pit’s front. Washer pit distance.
Try to get the cups flush with the ground. The two cups should be placed about 21 feet apart. For the best results, build a washer toss game making sure that the area surrounding the cups are free of any debris. You can also place a wooden frame around the lowered cup then fill the frame with sand, raising the cup so it is flush with the sand.
Apr 11, 2015 Build a sweet DIY fire pit on the cheap by upcycling an old washer drum By Drew Prindle April 11, 2015 Share Now that the weather’s starting to.
Apr 24, 2017 Some metal fire pits recommend you to use an inch or 2 thick layer of sand at the bottom of the pit. So if you are undecided as to whether you need to put sand in the base of your fire pit, check.
Apr 12, 2017 Bocce ball is a game that can either be played on a standard lawn or on a specially made bocce ball court. Because there is no official regulated size of bocce ball courts, you can construct one in almost any area. The ideal size for a court, however, is 12 feet wide and at least 60 feet long. While side walls are not.
A sand point – is a small diameter well conveniences such as automatic clothes washers, dishwashers, garbage disposers and two or three bathrooms. Some people water gardens and lawns. All create increased water demand, Pit Prohibition The well must not be located in an unapproved pit. Pits for new wells have been. | https://www.aksharelectronics.in/sand-washing-machine/34376/how-to-build-a-sand-washer-pit.html |
Q:
Normalize number according to exponential function
I haven't picked up a math book in a while so please be patient. I have a series of numbers ranging from zero to infinity (realistically up to 10 though) and I want to normalize these values to 1 to 10 but the higher the number, the closer to 10 the normalized value should be. How would I go about customizing an exponential function to fit this use case and how do you limit it so it nears 10 but never reaches it.
A:
The function $f(x) = 1 + 9(1 - (x + 1)^{-1}) = \tfrac{10x + 1}{x + 1}$ sounds like it fulfills your requirements:
x f(x)
0 1.00
1 5.50
2 7.00
5 8.50
10 9.18
20 9.57
100 9.91
Whether this will actually be helpful for solving your real problem is hard to say without knowing the context.
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The number of distressed home sales in Northwest Arkansas — including bank-owned (REO) sales, sales of homes actively in foreclosure and short sales — continues to drop.
According to a report from California-based Attom Data Solutions, which tracks national housing and foreclosure data, distressed sales in Benton County accounted for 10.7% all single-family and condo sales in the third quarter of 2016, down from 13.1% in the previous quarter and down from 14.5% in the third quarter of 2015.
In Washington County, the Attom data shows distressed sales accounted for 11.6% of all home sales in the third quarter, down from 12.5% in the previous quarter and down from 14.9% in the third quarter of 2015.
Bank-owned properties in Washington County comprised 4.7% of distressed sales in the third quarter, falling about 6% from the same period in 2015.
In Benton County, bank-owned sales were at 5.1% of all distressed sales in the quarter, down from 8.2% from the same period in 2015.
Nationally, distressed sales accounted for 12.9% of all single-family home and condo sales in the third quarter, down from 15.0% in the previous quarter and down from 15.9% in the third quarter of 2015. | https://talkbusiness.net/2016/11/distressed-home-sales-fall-in-local-markets/ |
Twisted linkage geometries hint at new organic chemistry
Linkages are fundamental components to machines with moving parts. The term describes any assembly of rigid bodies connected by joints. From this vast catalogue of structures, the linkages that most often interest engineers are those with just one internal degree of freedom, meaning they can only change shape in one way, which allows greater mobility control.
Until recently only a few linkages met this requirement – scissorlike elements, the Sarrus linkage, the Bennett linkage, and the Bricard linkage. Now researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology in Japan have unearthed a whole new class of ring linkages with just one internal degree of freedom – Möbius Kaleidocycles. Reporting in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, they suggest that technological applications of their discovery may include robotics and “the design of new organic ring molecules with peculiar electronic properties”, as well as raising fundamental questions about geometry, topology, and the limitations of mobility for closed loop linkages.
A degree of freedom
The researchers – Johannes Schönke and Eliot Fried – began by examining the classic sixfold conventional kaleidocycle described by six tetrahedra joined by orthogonal hinges at opposing edges to form a closed ring. The only internal degree of freedom of these structures is an everting motion where different faces of the tetrahedra are exposed as the structure is continuously turned inside out. In contrast for example an eightfold kaleidocycle has two internal degrees of freedom, pressing Schönke and Fried to enquire “How many degrees of freedom does a ring of N tetrahedra linked by N revolute hinges generally have?”
To tackle this the researchers devise a definition for the degrees of freedom of the corners of the kaleidocycle tetrahedra as constrained by the tetrahedron edges. However after subtracting the external six degrees of freedom corresponding to translations and rotations of a rigid body in space, their definition leads to a sixfold kaleidocycle with no internal degrees of freedom.
“It transpires that a K6 [sixfold kaleidocycle] is a nontrivial example of an overconstrained mechanism,” explain Schönke and Fried in their report. “Its high symmetry allows for a hidden degree of freedom.”
A twist in the tale
Next the researchers expanded their investigation to kaleidocycles of conjoined tetrahedra with a twist so that the formally orthogonal hinged edges are no longer at right angles. They found that for kaleidocycles of seven or more tetrahedra there is a critical angle below which it is no longer possible to form a closed loop.
In addition, at the critical angle, all internal degrees of freedom collapse leaving just one as in the case of the classical sixfold kaleidocycle. Since the rings formed in this way share the topology of a Möbius band – recently familiar as the recycle icon – the researchers describe them as Möbius kaleidocycles.
Analogous annulene chemistry
Robotics is one of the fields most likely to benefit from this new class of kaleidocycles with their incorporation in robotic arms or self-propelling swimming rings. However, Schönke and Fried also highlight possibilities to explore in organic chemistry.
They highlight previous work on Möbius annulenes, monocyclic hydrocarbon compounds like benzene but with the twisted Möbius topology. In the 1920s Edgar Heilbronner showed that Möbius annulenes should have novel electronic properties. In 2014 Gaston Schaller at the University of Kiel in Germany and colleagues synthesised an annulene with a threefold Möbius band topology that was energetically favourable over its former onefold counterpart. Drawing an analogy between the “twist into writhe” strategy Schaller and colleagues use to produce an annulene with a lower strain, and the minimum critical twist angle of the topologically equivalent Möbius Kaleidocycles, Schönke and Fried conclude, “We hypothesize that an annulene made from molecular building blocks (equivalent to our tetrahedra) with a twist angle close to the critical angle should exhibit minimal strain.”
Future topics for further fundamental investigations include the possibility of other ring linkages with more than seven elements and only one degree of freedom, an explanation for the everting motion that the ring geometries can undergo, and other possible topologies and geometries.
Full details are reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. | https://xhoneybadger.com/twisted-linkage-geometries-hint-at-new-organic-chemistry/ |
The invention relates to floor sink filter baskets.
A floor sink is a common installation found in commercial kitchens and toilets among other places. In particular in kitchens it is important to have a floor sink filter basket that fits into the floor sink in order to catch food debris so that it can be disposed of instead of going into the drain system or blocking the flow of water out the bottom of the sink into a drain system.
Sometimes floor debris can escape past the filter basket by way of overflowing it""s sides through spaces between the floor sink and the filter basket.
Also, in shipping the filter basket through a distribution and sales network, it is helpful to reduce the amount of space occupied by a shipment of a number of units by nesting them, allowing their slanted sides to engage. But this nesting can create a tight friction fit with a lot of contact making disengagement difficult.
The invention refers to two aspects in the design of filter baskets for use with floor drains.
In one aspect, the invention resides in an elastomeric lip around the top of the filter basket which lip extends outwardly from the basket. Since the filter basket is made of plastic, the lip has flexibility to provide a good seal between the filter basket and the floor sink to prevent solid debris which is intended to be collected in the filter basket from, instead, escaping through any space between the filter basket and the floor sink.
In another aspect, mating tabs and recesses are provided in each side of the filter basket so that the tab can engage the recess and provide controlled nesting and enable easy unstacking of filter baskets which have been nested for shipment. Preferably for maximum convenience when the filter baskets are square, that is having sides of equal length, the recess is situated centrally of each side, extending from the bottom to a selected point, preferably about half way up the sides and the tab is also centrally located extending inwardly from the top edge of each side. Therefor when stacked, the respective tab engages the recess and will to stop the nesting at a selected amount. In an alternative form, the bottom of one filter basket contacts the inside top of the recess of a filter basket which is nested below it in which case the tab is not necessary, although it is still useful to grab making unnesting easier.
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We’re Blue River, a team of innovators driven to radically change the agriculture and construction industry with ground-breaking computer-vision and deep learning based intelligent machinery. Our technology dramatically changes the business outlook of our customers, reducing the number of incidents, improves operators productivity, and collects valuable contextual data for the site manager. These machines are changing the future of construction by making job sites safer while increasing their productivity so that construction crews can build more with less.
Our people are at the heart of what we do. Through cross-discipline collaboration, this mission-driven and daring team is eager to define the new frontier of robotics. We are always asking hard questions, rapidly iterating, and getting our boots in the field to figure it out. We won’t give up until we’ve made a tangible and positive impact.
Blue River is based in Sunnyvale, CA and has over 250 team members with diverse experience including autonomous vehicles, computer vision, machine learning, systems software, and robotics. The company's environment is fast paced and highly collaborative, and employees are excited about using their talents to help food production and the environment.
Position Summary:
We are seeking a Robotics Engineer to join an exciting new program that sits at the intersection of construction, machine learning, and robotics. The experienced hand on leader is motivated by a high-performance culture that is rich in technical skills and critical thinking. This role is for somebody who has shown the impact that empowered, creative teams have on innovation and delivery, and who is eager to grow and lead with a sense of urgency and can-do attitude.
Position Responsibility:
- Design and implement algorithms and tools for sensor fusion
- Design and develop subsystems for control, planning, mapping, localization, and object tracking for self-driving vehicles
- Improve perception and vehicle planning with multi-body kinematics for heavy machinery with multiple sections and attachments/implements.
- Contribute to analytical framework for construction site production system data and gain insights from it.
Required Experience:
- Strong software development skills in C++, Python
- Experience with full AV or robotics stack from perception to controls
- Demonstrated expertise in at least one components of the AV / robotics stack
- Demonstrated leverage of interpersonal skills to drive design and development
- BS / MS / PhD in Computer Science or other specialties such as Robotics, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Physics, or Math
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in working with CVML & Robotics projects
- Experience in working with vehicle autonomy space.
- Experience in working with TPUs, GPUs and FPGAs
- Experience in metrics implementation, analysis and dashboarding
Blue River offers competitive compensation and benefits, including a great 401(K) match. We believe in a work life balance and offer generous Paid Time Off and Sick Leave as well as Paid Parental Leave and an adoption benefit. Subsidized lunches, flexible work hours, CalTrain passes (with mobile Wi-Fi!) and a collaborative and supportive environment also contribute to making Blue River a great place to work.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. | https://bluerivertechnology.com/job/?gh_jid=4546193 |
8/30/16, 4:57 AM - Sorry for that, but I mainly write TN for my own remembering not for the rest of the world. If I try to write in English it would take double the time and possible I wouldn't do it at all.
7/15/16, 11:33 AM - Grenache and Cinsault actually.
2/18/16, 12:13 PM - Actually, it's a blend of Barbera, Merlot, Freisa and Dolcetto.
2/19/16, 11:39 AM - Don't be sorry, it's still a very nice wine :-)
2/9/16, 7:28 AM - You can always edit your original TN...
9/30/15, 5:31 AM - Where do you find the degorge date on the bottle?
10/3/15, 9:00 AM - Thx for the reply. I have a bottle which I think has been in the cellar for 6-7 years but I'm not sure. I think we got it before starting to use CT anyway. I'll check the cork when it's popped if there's any clue there.
5/6/15, 2:53 AM - 80-84 Good: a solid, well-made wine (Winespectator)Are you really using the scale correctly? Think you passed the same comment to me once :-)
3/18/15, 12:07 AM - The score doesn't really reflect your note, do you really mean 88p and not 78p. 88 would mean a very good wine.
3/18/15, 8:32 AM - Aha, I understand. Strange pricing though, in Sweden (known for high prices on alcohol) it was 179SEK equal to $22. I have a bottle but haven't tried it yet.
9/11/14, 1:48 AM - Oj, alldeles för länge sedan. Vad jag kommer ihåg så var det inget jag kände för att köpa själv, åtminstone inte till det priset. Har fortfarande inte upptäckt storheten med CF...
4/14/14, 1:06 AM - I keep tasting notes mainly for myself, just to remember. I do not mind write in english, but then it would take twice as long and I don't always have the time...Maybe I'll reconcider ;-)There were some consensus that the bottle was flawed, but nevertheless I don't think it's my cup of tea.
12/10/13, 11:39 AM - @Conde - Passade riktigt bra till maten - bacon- och ostfylld kycklinglårfile i tomatsås med Gnocchi. Har en kvar, skulle köpt fler!
12/9/13, 9:26 AM - Jag ska, jag hade bara inte mina noteringar med mig på jobbet :-)
11/20/13, 4:06 AM - I think it's very individual wether you like the vanilla/dill notes or not. I had the very same thoughts about this wine, everyone lifting it to the stars but I found it extremly unappealing. My guess is that you'll be disappointed the next time as well....
9/18/13, 11:17 AM - 2011:an kommer i oktober på SB, tänkte nog prova den igen även om jag har haft lite svårt för PN
Thanks for letting us know about this problem. We will review your comments and be in touch soon with an update. | https://www.cellartracker.com/m/users/271550/comments |
Browse and download free Person Jogging PNG Pic. This image categorized under Sports tagged in Athlete, Jogging, you can use this image freely on your designing projects. The pixel of this PNG transparent background is 500x499 and size is 205 Kb. It is available in high-quality resolution for personal use.
Title: Person Jogging PNG Pic
PNG Image Dimension: 500x499
File Size: 205 Kb
Image Type: .png
Posted on: Feb 9th, 2021
Category: Sports
Tags: Athlete, Jogging
DMCA: Report
Image License:
✅Free for personal use only
❌Commercial Usage: Not allowed
Attribution required, copy the below link on the web where you will be using this PNG image. | https://www.pngmart.com/image/245081 |
Door-to-door recyclables collection programmes: Willingness to participate and influential factors with a case study in the city of Xanthi (Greece).
The implementation of a recyclable waste management system is a serious challenge for a society that aims to contribute to sustainability. The first operational step of such system is waste collection. In a number of European countries, the solid waste collection system has changed from the conventional kerbside system to a door-to-door collection. However, this type of waste collection system has not yet been introduced in Greece and its public acceptance prior to potential full implementation needs to be considered. This study aims to investigate the willingness of the residents of a Greek city (Xanthi, Thrace) to change from the existing kerbside collection system and initiate and participate in a door-to-door recyclable waste collection system instead. A questionnaire was designed and distributed randomly to 150 residents of Xanthi and a statistical analysis was then performed to assess the influence of a number of explanatory variables on recycling behaviour and the willingness to participate in a door-to-door collection system. The findings of this study indicate that most of the respondents (72.7%) were willing to participate in a future door-to-door recyclables collection programme in Xanthi. The factors that influenced the respondents' attitude with regard to such a programme were associated with level of education, their beliefs about the effectiveness of the current recycling system and also their attitudes towards recycling issues in general. Age and religion significantly affected recycling frequency. The survey and statistics presented in this article can be used as a model to assess the behaviour of citizens towards recyclable waste management systems worldwide.
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It really is easy to cut applique shapes with a die cutter or to cut applique shapes with the newer electronic cutters. And some like to trim the fabric around the tackdown stitch. But, what if you don’t have either of those and you want an easy way to cut the shapes? I had a “bright” idea the other day and wrote about it on the Craftsy blog post for this week. I’m sure I’m not the first to think of this, but feel that I need to share it with the world. So, here are the instructions. I have made them into a pdf and added them to a link in my list of how-to’s so that you can always find them here.
Instructions for cutting appliqué shapes with scissors
All machine embroidery appliqué designs come with a file that has the outline of the shapes / templates that can be stitched on the embroidery machine. Rather than making a paper pattern from this file, the most efficient way to cut the appliqué fabric using those stitching lines is as follows:
- Prepare fabric by fusing a fusible web onto the wrong side of the appliqué fabric. This should be slightly larger than your appliqué shape. Do NOT remove the paper.
- Work with an unthreaded needle in your embroidery machine.
- Hoop stabilizer.
- Mount hoop onto machine and stitch the shape outline onto the stabilizer with the unthreaded needle.
- Lay the prepared fabric (with fusible and paper attached), right side up, over the stitch holes made in the stabilizer. Use tape if needed to hold the prepared fabric in place.
- Stitch the shape again onto this prepared fabric.
- Remove the fabric from the hoop and turn it over. On the paper side, you will see the stitch holes showing through the paper.
8. Use this line for cutting your shape.
9. Trim just outside the stitching line so that the finished appliqué will be held securely without fabric threads showing on the outside of the decorative appliqué stitch. Before starting a project, try a sample first, to be sure your cutting line fits perfectly with your stitching line.
10. To remove the paper, use a straight pin to score the paper and it will peel off easily. | https://b-quilts.com/blog/?p=4402?shared=email&msg=fail |
Valley Hope Overland Park
Valley Hope Overland Park is a drug and alcohol treatment facility found at 10114 West 105th Street in Overland Park, Kansas. They can be contacted at 913-432-4037.
The program utilizes major treatment approaches of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy, Relapse Prevention Programs, 12-Step Recovery Groups. The program offers services in these settings: Outpatient Rehab.
Valley Hope Overland Park also provides individuals with several special programs designed specifically for the requirements of clients, such as: Aftercare and Relapse Prevention, Drug Abuse Assessment, Screening for Drug Addiction. Finally, Valley Hope Overland Park allows the following types of payment: Self-Pay, Private Insurance Coverage.
We can help you find the right treatment facility that best fits your overall needs and financial requirements. | https://www.uptogood.org/drug-addiction-treatment-in-KS-Overland_Park-Valley_Hope.htm |
When I first started designing ~15 years ago, I spent hours trying to create banners completely from scratch, drawing all the shapes by hand. I always felt that I didn't want anyone else to ever be able to claim that they helped me with my art, so I had a personal policy (from a very young age) that EVERYTHING I CREATED WOULD BE 100% ORIGINAL.
After spending hours trying to painstakingly craft my own original images, I was told that I was doing it wrong and taking way too long. I was tutored in the fine art of grabbing pictures from the internet and then cropping, rotating, stretching, etc. to fit the design you are trying to create in Photoshop.
Although I felt a little like that was cheating, I discovered that it was a common practice at the time (2003), and in work situations that was often what was expected of you to produce work in a timely manner.
So, you can see how I started believing everything must be created from scratch or you are a thief and not as good as somebody who CAN create from scratch. Eventually I was exposed to the concept in business of "don't reinvent the wheel", meaning to use the tried-and-true concepts and components that already exist rather than trying to build everyhting from scratch. Now I have a more "middle-path" understanding that sometimes it can be quicker and useful to go grab some Creative Commons (0) image from Google or Pexels or whatever, than to try to find a way to set up a shot and photograph the scene myself.
So, what would be an accurate term for someone who takes art created by others, then makes something new out of it?
Since these are called "derivative works" (especially in a legal sense), perhaps the term "derivative artist" would be appropriate? But, I wonder if there is a catchier, more buzz-worthy term that those in the professional design business use that I am just not aware of?
EXAMPLE: One prints out a photo of a starry sky from the internet, cuts it (with scissors) into a square, and then makes an origami crane out of it.
EXAMPLE: One makes a collage of CC0 images found on the web.
EXAMPLE: One attaches a calculator and two bicycle wheels to a small wooden box.
In all the above examples, something new and unique is born from the artist's arrangement and editing implementations.
NOTE: Cynical words like "plagiarist" or "thief" are not what I'm looking for. | https://graphicdesign.stackexchange.com/questions/86976/term-for-derivative-art-where-only-the-arrangement-is-changed |
Introduction Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a growing health burden in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). Operational research (OR) has been used globally to support the design of effective and efficient public policies. Equity is emphasised in the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) framework introduced in 2015 and can be analysed within OR studies.
Methods We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science for studies published between 2015 and 2018 at the intersection of five domains (OR, LMICs, NCDs, health and decision-making and/or policy-making). We categorised the type of policy intervention and described any concern for equity, which we defined as either analysis of differential impact by subgroups or, policy focus on disadvantaged groups or promoting universal health coverage (UHC).
Results A total of 149 papers met the inclusion criteria. The papers covered a number of policy types and a broad range of NCDs, although not in proportion to their relative disease burden. A concern for equity was demonstrated by 88 of the 149 papers (59%), with 8 (5%) demonstrating differential impact, 47 (32%) targeting disadvantaged groups, and 68 (46%) promoting UHC.
Conclusion Overall, OR for NCD health policy in the SDG era is being applied to a diverse set of interventions and conditions across LMICs and researchers appear to be concerned with equity. However, the current focus of published research does not fully reflect population needs and the analysis of differential impact within populations is rare.
- health economics
- health services research
- public health
- review
- health policies and all other topics
This is an open access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Unported (CC BY 4.0) license, which permits others to copy, redistribute, remix, transform and build upon this work for any purpose, provided the original work is properly cited, a link to the licence is given, and indication of whether changes were made. See: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
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Key questions
What is already known?
Operational research (OR) has been widely used to aid decision makers in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) to prioritise health interventions.
There is a growing and disproportionate burden of non-communicable disease (NCD) on LMICs, and on the most vulnerable populations within these countries.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasised the need for interventions which target NCDs while simultaneously promoting equity.
What are the new findings?
The 149 papers included in this review demonstrated that OR methods are being used to provide valuable evidence across a wide range of NCD disease burdens and policy options in the SDG era.
The number of papers were not proportional to the LMIC disease burden attributable to each NCD.
OR in the SDG era demonstrates a strong concern for equity, although this was often limited to a focus on disadvantaged groups or universal coverage without robust consideration of differential impact.
What do the new findings imply?
OR methods continue to provide valuable evidence across a broad range of policy options and NCD disease burdens in LMICs.
In future, operational researchers should consider including the differential impact of the policies they are evaluating, thereby ensuring that equity remains a central concern.
Introduction
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 73% of global deaths and 62% of global disease burden in 2017, increasing from 48% to 62% respectively in 2000.1 This rising burden has meant that the prevention and control of NCDs is now a major global health priority. Low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) suffer the majority of global NCD-related mortality and morbidity: in 2016, an estimated 78% of global NCD-related deaths, and 82% of morbidity, occurred in LMICs.2 3 Moreover, the NCD burden is expected to further increase in LMICs as they continue through the epidemiological transition with its emergence of chronic health issues and NCDs,4 driven in part by urbanisation, and increasing levels of behavioural risk factors such as smoking, physical inactivity and nutritionally poor diets5 6 as well as an ageing population. As NCDs disproportionately affect working-age adults, increasing NCD burden has significant implications for the socioeconomic development of these countries.7
Despite these growing challenges, there are a wide range of interventions available to policymakers and healthcare practitioners to reduce the burden of NCDs in LMICs. An effective ‘package’ of measures may encompass diverse approaches including: fiscal policies and regulations to reduce the key modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use and unhealthy diets; population-wide screening to achieve early diagnosis and treatment of NCDs and access to effective and affordable individual-level healthcare interventions.7 8 However, LMIC governments face unique challenges in financing and implementing many of these solutions. Their healthcare systems often have weak infrastructure for the management of chronic conditions associated with NCDs.9 Public policies effective in reducing risk factors for NCDs elsewhere may require adaptations to suit local contexts or risk being patchily implemented and poorly enforced.10–13 Moreover, despite improvements in population health insurance coverage in certain LMICs, the service coverage and the level of financial protection provided by the insurance are often limited.14
The discipline of operational research (OR) can provide quantitative evidence to guide scale-up of interventions for NCDs15 by projecting the cost, health and resource implications of strategies that aim to compare interventions, improve healthcare delivery and which may improve health/healthcare equity within the constraints of the relevant settings.16 17 OR models can synthesise diverse evidence types, including context-relevant epidemiological and economic data, to compare multiple strategies affecting different system components, and extrapolate natural disease history and intervention effects to estimate long-term impact.18 OR methods can also account for capacity constraints in existing policy and healthcare infrastructure, making them well-suited to the evaluation of intervention delivery in low-resource contexts.19
A key characteristic of NCDs is their strong link with health (in)equity in LMIC contexts. NCDs are important contributors to (within-country) health inequity insofar as modifiable risk factors for NCDs are typically concentrated in population subgroups who have low socioeconomic status (SES) and/or live in poor or marginalised communities.20 The weak financial protection offered by health insurance schemes in LMICs means that NCDs often result in catastrophically high out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures for already impoverished and marginalised groups.21 22 Therefore, OR may demonstrate an equity focus through: (i) consideration of differential impact by socially determined subgroups; (ii) the deliberate targeting of policies towards vulnerable groups and/or (iii) policies which extend access to healthcare (eg, universal provision) thus improving financial protection.
Previous reviews include Bradley et al,17 who provided an overview of 44 OR studies in LMICs (a subset of 1099 studies overall) published by 2014, covering both communicable diseases and NCDs and equity considerations. They found health equity consideration was primarily manifested in a concern for healthcare equity, particularly in relation to hard-to-reach or disadvantaged subgroups. For OR to have impact, they recommended researchers embed stakeholder engagement, use contextually appropriate data and vary communication channels for outputs. An earlier, 2006, review by Mulligan et al23 concentrated on economic evaluations of NCD interventions in LMICs. They classified the 32 included studies by 12 disease areas and 3 application areas (diagnosis, prevention and treatment) and assessed their methodological quality.
The 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include good health and well-being (SDG 3) and emphasise equity throughout. Given these goals, and the particular challenges posed by NCDs in LMICs, we investigated the use of OR in informing NCD-related health policy in LMICs, and whether a concern for equity informed the analyses. Here, we present results of a scoping review of studies published in peer-reviewed journals during the SDG era, from January 2015 to May 2018, which apply quantitative OR methods to evaluate policies for NCD prevention and treatment in LMICs. We provide a narrative summary by key themes, including geographical setting, policy/intervention type and disease area, with attention to if/how OR methods have been used to support a concern for equity.
Methods
This scoping review follows a systematic search strategy and analysis to provide a broad overview of the size and scope of the literature. A scoping review can provide a preliminary assessment of the literature without the requirement of formal quality appraisals required by systematic literature reviews for the synthesis of evidence.24 25 This approach is able to accommodate both diverse study designs and broad topics such as OR, NCDs and equity. The scoping review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for scoping reviews26 and was registered on PROSPERO reference CRD42018096803.
Search strategy
Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and MEDLINE were searched to cover both health and social science. Free-text searches were undertaken for Web of Science and Scopus. Free text plus Emtree and MESH subject headings were used for Embase and MEDLINE, respectively. The database free-text search strategy drew on the work of Bradley et al,17 which searched papers published between 2000 and 2014 at the intersection of four domains: operational research, LMICs, health and decision-making/policy-making. To these a fifth domain was added for NCDs. The current search included papers published between 1 January 2015 and 10 May 2018. An English language filter was applied to all results. Full search strategies are included in online supplementary appendix 1.
Supplemental material
Study inclusion
Two researchers (NG and JK) independently sifted all articles, first according to title and abstract and second using the full text. The inclusion criteria drew on those used by Bradley et al17 with the additional specification of NCDs.
The first criteria was for the study to use OR methods, including: optimisation models (eg, linear and non-linear programming, goal programming, location allocation models); simulation models (eg, discrete event, agent-based); dynamic state transition models (eg, Markov transition) and static cohort-level models (eg, decision tree model).
Second, the study must explore a decision-making/policy-making problem compatible with OR. This could be: several competing interventions or policy options are compared to propose the best/optimal strategy (including comparing current status quo vs a new option); outcomes are modelled for competing intervention or policy scenarios/options, including disease burden, budget impact and cost-effectiveness; issues of logistics, supply chain, distribution, scheduling are explored, including studies that highlight operational inefficiencies or poor performance; what if scenarios are tested (eg, what if cancer screening coverage was increased).
Third, the study explores an OR problem with a health or healthcare focus. This can include public or population health (eg, public policy affecting population health, mass screening for disease diagnosis and treatment, relative cost-effectiveness of two or more healthcare interventions) and/or healthcare delivery (eg, efficiency, efficacy and cost of delivering given healthcare service).
Fourth, the study focuses on a low-income or middle-income setting, either specific country or within-country or supranational region.
Finally, the study must focus on an NCD. The list of NCDs was taken from the WHO Global Health Estimates3 and Global Burden of Disease project.1 Conditions which are not categorised as NCDs but have substantial impact on the NCD burden were also included. For example, human papillomavirus infection and nutritional deficiencies are important causes of cervical cancer and increased cardiovascular risk, respectively. Further detail is included in online supplementary appendix 1.
At the end of each screening stage, the researchers met to compare results and resolve decision discrepancies. Ambiguous cases were arbitrated by the other authors (JB and PD).
Data extraction
Standard bibliographic information was extracted alongside data for the following topics: geographic coverage, policy area, disease/risk area and equity consideration.
Narrative synthesis
We conducted a narrative synthesis of study characteristics with a special focus on two themes, namely: (i) application area of policy/intervention and (ii) equity consideration adopted by the study (if any). Both of these were further broken down and/or categorised as follows:
Policy/Intervention application area
Given the variety of global health solutions (ranging from national fiscal policies to individual-level healthcare), studies were inductively categorised into the following application areas, which arose through reviewing of the papers:
Public health policy: policy working via a non-healthcare mechanism to modify key risk factors for NCDs; examples include taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages and regulations to create smoke-free areas.
Population screening: screening of general populations at risk of a specific NCD before provision of relevant healthcare to diagnosed persons; examples include national cervical cancer screening programmes and diabetes screening in primary care.
Healthcare provision
Access: provision of healthcare to defined patient groups who previously had no access to a comparable standard of care; examples include charitable provision of surgery to patients with cancer who otherwise have no access to oncology treatment and provision of dialysis to patients with end-stage renal disease who otherwise would have received basic supportive care only.
Comparative: effectiveness and/or cost-effectiveness studies of two or more alternative healthcare interventions of comparable standards for a defined patient group; examples include comparison of two chemotherapy regimens for patients with breast cancer and comparison of two insulin-based treatments for patients with diabetes to achieve superior control of given disease and/or lower intervention cost.
Within each application area, the included studies were further grouped by risk area (for studies under category A) or targeted disease area (for studies under categories B and C). Application areas were mutually exclusive.
Equity consideration
Studies were categorised by whether and how they demonstrated a concern for equity, this categorisation was inductive:
Differential subgroup impact: the study evaluates the differential impact of intervention outcomes on population subgroups delineated by social, economic, demographic and geographic or any other predisposing environmental factor beyond individual control. The outcomes may include health (eg, life expectancy, disability-adjusted life years (DALY)), healthcare access or financial risk protection from NCD-induced healthcare expenditure.
Disadvantaged group targeting: the intervention targets healthcare access and/or health improvement in a population group deemed to be socially disadvantaged; examples of such groups include women, infants and children, the elderly and rural populations.
Universal coverage of healthcare: the intervention aims to expand access to preventive or treatment services.
Preventive services: widening the provision of preventative healthcare. For example, a new national cancer screening programme is compared with no screening or opportunistic screening at healthcare centres, or where coverage levels are varied and evaluated within the study.
Treatment services: provision of clinical care to patients who previously had no access. We only include cases representing an improvement in coverage of public sector healthcare, that is, where the cost of relevant healthcare is at least partly borne by the government.
Studies under category (I) must explicitly highlight differential impact as an equity concern: simple stratification of results (eg, by age or sex) with no discussion of equity was deemed insufficient for inclusion. These equity categories are not mutually exclusive and a study was able to fall into multiple categories.
Patient and public involvement
As this paper is a scoping review comprising an assessment of the academic literature, there was no direct patient and public engagement on the paper.
Results
Database search and study inclusion
The PRISMA flow diagram illustrates the search process, including article screening and study inclusion (figure 1). The database search resulted in 3055 papers after duplicates were removed. After screening by title and abstract, 269 papers remained for the full-text sift. An additional 134 papers were excluded at this stage and 14 articles were added via searching of previous reviews and reference chasing. This resulted in a final group of 149 articles for data extraction.
Study characteristics
There were 29 (19%) studies evaluating public health policies working via non-healthcare mechanisms to reduce key modifiable risk factors for NCDs and 30 (20%) that evaluated population screening interventions. Of the 90 (60%) studies that evaluated healthcare provision for defined patient groups, 41 were primarily concerned with providing access to new or higher-standard healthcare, while 49 included evaluation of strategies with a comparative standard of care. When classified by application area and income group of the country/countries included in the study, a very high proportion, 76% and 85%, of public health policy and comparative evaluation studies, respectively, incorporated only upper-middle-income countries (figure 2A). At the same time, few papers from across any application area included countries from multiple income categories. The papers covered a broad range of countries, the highest number of papers (47, 32%) address the Chinese context, followed by Thailand and Mexico each with 12 papers (8%) (figure 2B). The authors affiliated with institutions in high-income countries (HICs) were listed in 68% of the papers, while 15% of the papers did not include any author from the country studied. The authors affiliated with governmental departments, quasi-governmental institutions or specific hospitals in the country of interest were included in 44% of the papers.
Policy/Intervention application area
The 149 included studies covered a broad range of risk factors and disease areas (figure 3). Neoplasms constitute a relatively large group across population screening, healthcare access and comparative studies. Cardiovascular disease and diabetes and kidney disease are also a strong focus. The risk factors with the greatest proportion of papers relate to dietary risks and tobacco, which link strongly to the aforementioned disease areas. A summary table referencing every included study and an expanded table detailing policy/intervention and comparator, equity consideration, and base-case evaluation results are included in online supplementary appendix 2, tables A and B.
Supplemental material
When the proportion of NCD burden across LMICs, using Global Burden of Disease data,1 was compared with the proportion of papers in the review, the results showed that OR methods have been used across all NCD categories, with the exception of neurological disorders (figure 4). The greatest proportion of papers address neoplasms; these include a number of comparative studies which compare cancer drug A versus drug B and a number of screening programmes mainly focused on cervical cancer. Diabetes and kidney diseases and substance use disorders are also over-represented within the search results with a number of public health policies focused on tobacco and alcohol. Neurological disorders are unrepresented.
Equity consideration
Of the 149 papers, 88 (59%) fell into at least one of the three equity categories (figure 5).
Differential subgroup impact
The eight subgroup impact papers mainly comprised extended cost-effectiveness analysis (ECEA) (n=7). ECEA requires the inclusion of OOP expenditure and at least one measure of financial risk protection, providing an explicit link between health and poverty (catastrophic health expenditure, cases of poverty averted, value of insurance).27 These measures, along with health outcome measures, are reported by income or wealth quintiles. Wealth quintiles are calculated using a composite measure of household asset ownership (eg, TV, fridge, etc) and access to amenities (eg, water and sanitation). Wealth quintiles were used in studies on Ethiopia (n=2), Uganda (n=1) and India (n=1); income quintiles were used in China (n=2) and South Africa (n=1). A range of health outcomes were reported including deaths averted (n=4), life years gained (n=1), DALYs (n=1) and health-adjusted life years gained (n=1). The only study demonstrating subgroup impact which did not follow an ECEA methodology evaluated a sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax in Mexico reporting the health outcome (percentage change in body mass index) by SES (low, medium and high), age and sex.
Disadvantaged group targeting
A total of 47 papers evaluated policies specifically targeted at socially disadvantaged groups. The most populous group was women (n=28), followed by neonates (n=9), children (n=9), rural dwellers (n=3), older adults (n=2) and economically disadvantaged (n=1). Four of the papers concerned the intersection of two groups, including rural and neonatal (n=2), rural and women (n=1) and women and neonatal (n=1).
Universal health coverage
All 41 of the healthcare provision access papers fell into this category as did an additional 4 comparative papers which examined different funding strategies and 23 of the population screening papers, totalling 68. Screening papers which did not fall into this category were either concerned with the cost-effectiveness of comparable screening strategies (n=4), budget distribution between screening and treatment (n=1) or were paid for exclusively by private insurance (n=1).
Papers demonstrating an equity focus including different approaches to equity, according to policy/intervention application area
The intersection between application area and equity approach taken is included in online supplementary appendix 2, table C. In summary, of the public health papers, seven (24%) incorporated equity, three via the demonstration of equity impact (two were ECEAs and one stratified outcomes by SES, sex and age) and four via a focus on disadvantaged groups, namely children (n=2), neonates (n=1) and women and neonates combined (n=1).
Population screening demonstrated concern for equity in 29 papers (97%) mainly via a focus on disadvantaged groups, of which the majority were women (n=15), and extending preventative healthcare services via universal provision of screening policies. The screening interventions were dominated by cervical cancer (n=8), congenital disease (n=6) and breast cancer (n=4).
All 41 healthcare provision access studies by definition fell into the universal health coverage, however, many papers also fell into the other equity categories. Four papers used ECEA to demonstrate the impact of the healthcare treatment by income/wealth quintiles including charitable surgery in Uganda, epilepsy treatment in India, mental health treatment in Ethiopia and a package of diverse healthcare treatments in Ethiopia. There was also range of disadvantaged groups covered across 12 of the papers including children (n=5), women (n=4), the elderly (n=1), neonates (n=1) and lower socioeconomic groups (n=1).
The healthcare provision comparative studies had the lowest percentage of papers considering equity with just 11 (23%). Eight covered disadvantaged groups, including women (n=6) and children (n=2). The four papers in this application area which evaluated alternative cancer treatments demonstrated concern for universal coverage by incorporating scenarios involving different levels of public funding for the treatment.
Discussion
The range of studies using quantitative OR methods (broadly understood) demonstrates the breadth of public health and clinical interventions available to policymakers for addressing the burden of NCDs in LMICs. The much greater number of OR studies evaluating NCD interventions included in this review, compared with previous reviews,17 23 suggests that researchers have responded to previous conclusions which highlighted the gap in NCD research in LMICs. However, the focus of the published studies was not proportional to the disease burden reported by the Global Burden of Disease Study for LMICs. The disproportionate focus on cancers may reflect an international funder-driven agenda which supports cancer screening programmes for women and girls.28 29 The large number of papers relating to substance use, including tobacco and alcohol papers, may also reflect influence of the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and global reporting of alcohol harm.30 31 The topics of published papers also mirror the primarily Northern-based study funding and a research agenda influenced by HIC research partners (68% of papers listed authors affiliated to institutions in HICs).
Equity was considered in 59% of the 149 papers included in the review. This supports the renewed focus on health equity as it relates to differential impact between subpopulations, targeting of disadvantaged groups and extending universal healthcare. In a previous scoping review of OR studies only 4% of studies included an equity consideration and these studies focused primarily on access to healthcare.17 Although their review differed from ours, it seems plausible that operational researchers are responding to the increasing global focus on equity, evident in the SDGs.
Despite this strong focus on equity only eight papers explored differential impact, seven of which used extended cost-effectiveness analysis. These papers, across all three application areas, demonstrate the prominence of ECEA as a methodological approach and its flexibility of application to diverse health interventions. However, a number of papers which modelled universal upstream public health interventions did not incorporate a concern for differential impact, including SSB taxes, unhealthy goods taxes and salt reduction policies,11 13 32–35 acknowledged in the papers as a key limitation. Given the importance of these upstream policies in reducing risk factors for NCDs, often making use of fiscal measures which are likely to impact the poor more severely than the rich, the lack of consideration of differential impact is a clear weakness.
The finding that 44% of papers included authors affiliated with governmental departments, quasi-governmental institutions or specific hospitals in the country of interest infers a degree of stakeholder engagement in OR. However, it should be noted that 15% of papers had no author at all from the country of study so there is still significant progress to be made in embedding research in its local context.
We argue that OR shows much potential to improve the quality of decision-making and guide improvements in population health and equity. Researchers should attempt to incorporate differential impact within their research wherever possible, although we acknowledge that barriers exist, including data availability, capacity constraints and researcher familiarity with methods. Understanding which groups are of interest, or indeed which intersectionalities (eg, women and rural), is critical to the pursuit of equity and is highly context-dependent. Closer collaboration between researchers and decision makers and implementers would enable a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the equity impact of the policy and its implementation.
Greater stakeholder engagement would also strengthen the development and validation of models, and the translation of findings into policy and practice. Further research into the embeddedness of OR research in local decision-making processes would provide greater insight into the role that local stakeholders play in setting the research agenda as well as in the research process itself and in uptake of key findings.
To the best of our knowledge, this scoping review is the most comprehensive one to date covering all approaches to reduce NCD burden and promote health and healthcare equity in the SDG era. However, there are several limitations to this research, which in part reflect the nature of a scoping review. Databases were chosen to cover medicine and social science, but engineering databases may have provided additional papers. The search period was deliberately designed to provide a cross-sectional snapshot of the SDG era (2015–2018), however this prevents the consideration of OR applications before this period and of trends over time. Important studies may have been missed due to date range alone, for example, those evaluating excise tax on SSB in India33 and South Africa.11 The limitation to English language papers may have biassed the results, in particular the conclusion that most research has been completed in HICs. There was no formal quality assessment for included studies due to the very diverse nature of their aims and methods. There was also limited discussion on the technical aspects of OR models due to our focus on setting, application areas and equity categories in this manuscript.
In summary, this review found that OR is being used to evaluate a broad range of policies across a range of NCDs in LMICs, although the focus of the papers was disproportionate to the relative disease burden in these countries. A majority of papers incorporated a concern for equity, although this is primarily through targeted policies and expansion of healthcare. The included papers demonstrated that OR methods can be used to illustrate differential impact, highlighting vulnerable groups, across a range of application areas and disease types. This however, appears to currently be an underused approach in relation to OR on NCD policy in LMICs.
References
Footnotes
NG and JK are joint first authors.
Handling editor Seye Abimbola
Contributors NG, JK, JB and PJD conceptualised the study. NG and JK conducted the literature search and performed the analysis. All authors interpreted the results. NG and JK wrote the first draft and all authors revised it.
Funding NKG and JK are supported by the Wellcome Trust Doctoral Training Centre in Public Health Economics and Decision Science (108903/Z/19/Z) and the University of Sheffield. PJD is funded by a fellowship from the UK MRC (MR/P022081/1).
Disclaimer The funders had no role in decision to publish or preparation of the manuscript.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent for publication Not required.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.
Data availability statement All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as supplementary information. All data included in the paper is drawn from published academic journal articles as it is a literature review. | https://gh.bmj.com/content/5/6/e002259.full |
1 Introduction
==============
As sequencing costs continue to drop, systems biology based on large omics datasets is rapidly expanding its scope. In particular, time series obtained from multi-omics datasets are becoming more and more affordable ([@btz896-B2]; [@btz896-B5]; [@btz896-B11]). The analysis of time series can have broad implications for precision medicine applications, since longitudinal data capture the dynamically changing collective microscopic behavior of molecular components in the body, reflecting the physiological state of a patient. There are many bioinformatics tools aiming at multimodal omics data integration ([@btz896-B10]). Specifically, Bioconductor ([@btz896-B6]), Galaxy([@btz896-B1]), GenePattern ([@btz896-B12]), Biopython ([@btz896-B3]), Pathomx ([@btz896-B4]), SECIMTools ([@btz896-B7]) and more. Although multiple coding paradigms are used in bioinformatics, R and Python are essentially the lingua francas for data science analysis, where the open-source appeal and growing online community support are particularly helpful in developing a dedicated user base.
Here we introduce PyIOmica, an open source Python package, for analyzing longitudinal omics datasets, such as transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics etc., which includes multiple tools for processing multi-modal mapped data, characterizing time series in terms of periodograms and autocorrelations, categorizing temporal behavior, visualizing visibility graphs and testing data for gene ontology and pathway enrichment. PyIOmica includes optimized new algorithms adapted from MathIOmica ([@btz896-B9]; which runs on the proprietary Mathematica platform), now made available as Python open source code for all users, and additionally expands extensively graphical utilities for visualization of categorized temporal data, and network representation of time series. To our knowledge, there are no tools with the functionality of PyIOmica currently available in Python.
2 Materials and methods
=======================
2.1 Overview and codebase
-------------------------
PyIOmica provides a complete workflow for time series processing, illustrated in the [Supplementary Figure S1](#sup1){ref-type="supplementary-material"}. The modular nature of PyIOmica allows for smooth integration with any future and existing Python tools. With PyIOmica, any results can be visualized, exported and analyzed for gene enrichment by means of a user-friendly Python interface. PyIOmica's codebase is a single Python module containing multiple groups of functions designed for annotations and enumerations, pre- and post-processing, clustering-related purposes, visualizations (heatmaps and categorization), normal and horizontal visibility graphs generation and other core and utility components. Installation is simply performed using `pip install pyiomica`, and package dependencies are automatically addressed directly from Python package index (PyPI). Function documentation is embedded in the module, and is easily accessible at runtime (and also at <https://pyiomica.readthedocs.io>). Data structures and implementation are described in [Supplementary Material](#sup1){ref-type="supplementary-material"}.
An extensive set of PyIOmica pre-processing functions enables filtering low-quality signals, tagging missing or low values, normalization, standardization, merging and comparison of the datasets. The post-processing functions, such as temporal trends categorization of power spectrum and spikes, are built on using the SciPy and scikit-learn Python toolkits. Additional functionality includes gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses for both non-temporal data, as well as for clusters identified through the automated time series categorization.
Temporal trends are automatically discovered using periodogram and autocorrelation calculations based on a Lomb-Scargle transformation algorithm ([@btz896-B9]), which properly accounts for missing points and/or unevenly sampled data. The periodogram is used to identify each time series' underlying dominant frequencies. Autocorrelations are also used to identify how measured intensities within each time series may depend on previous measurements, by correlating a time series with delayed versions of itself. Signals showing statistically significant trends are identified for downstream analysis. Multiple omics (genes, proteins and metabolites) that show similar trends in time are identified by clustering, and can be biologically evaluated through pathway and GO analyses.
2.2 Visibility graphs and visualization
---------------------------------------
Recent work on characterizing complex events focuses on using network/graph methodology that can capture non-linear behavior ([@btz896-B8]). Time series are transformed into networks that conserve their topology, and allow the identification of varying temporal structures. We represent each timepoint in a series as a node. Then, for any timepoint pair with intensities $X(t_{\mu}),\, X(t_{\nu})$ at times $t_{\mu}$ and $t_{\nu}$ respectively, we can have an edge if for any other timepoint $t_{\alpha}$, such that $(t_{\mu} < t_{\alpha} < t_{\nu})$ we have $\left. X(t_{\alpha}) < X(t_{\nu}) + (X(t_{\mu}) - X(t_{\nu}) \right)\frac{t_{\nu} - t_{\alpha}}{t_{\nu} - t_{\mu}}$. Representing the intensities as bars, this is equivalent to connecting the top of each bar to another top if there is a direct line-of-sight to that top. The resulting *visibility graph* has characteristics that reflect the equivalent time series temporal structure and can be used to identify trends. The shortest path identifies nodes (i.e. timepoints) that display high intensity, and thus dominate the global signal profile, are robust to noise, and are likely drivers of the global temporal behavior. A biological event deviating from baseline is likely to appear in one or more nodes within the shortest path.
PyIOmica uses Matplotlib plotting functions to visualize histograms, dendrograms, heatmaps and visibility graphs. [Figure 1a](#btz896-F1){ref-type="fig"} shows example RNA-sequencing gene expression data from a 24-h time series, clustered into two groups based on autocorrelations. Subgroups were determined from the gene expression in each autocorrelation group. The data from Group 1, Subgroup 2 containing 191 genes is visualized in [Figure 1b](#btz896-F1){ref-type="fig"} as a visibility graph on a circular layout. Temporal events are detected and indicated with solid blue lines encompassing groups of points, or communities. Additional examples are provided in the PyIOmica documentation ([Supplementary Material](#sup1){ref-type="supplementary-material"}, using data that are provided with the PyIOmica Zenodo software release (under docs/examples)).
{#btz896-F1}
3 Conclusion
============
The open source PyIOmica Python package characterizes time series from multiple omics and categorizes temporal trends with a streamlined automated pipeline based on spectral analysis. PyIOmica also offers broad bioinformatics functionality, including clustering, visualization and enrichment, and extends previous developments ([@btz896-B9]) to an open-source, community-accessible platform for data science. We anticipate future versions of PyIOmica to utilize its codebase flexibility to expand its bioinformatics tools for genomic as well as differential omics analyses, and graph construction and characterization.
Funding
=======
This work was supported by the Translational Research Institute for Space Health through National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Cooperative Agreement NNX16AO69A.
*Conflict of Interest:* G.M. has consulted for Colgate-Palmolive North America. C.P. owns equity in Salgomed, Inc. S.D. reports no potential confict of interest.
Supplementary Material
======================
######
Click here for additional data file.
| |
Implementing algorithms on topics such scene understanding, object recognition or cognitive neuroscience of visual object recognition.
Machine Learning
Implementing algorithms on topics such machine learning, deep learning or reinforcement learning.
Real-time
Achieved using CUDA parallelization and highly optimized data structures and algorithms.
Development
Using C++, GPU, CUDA, Python, OpenCV, Robot Operating System (ROS), Linux, Eclipse, CMake, Git, QT, Design Patterns, OOP, UML, TDD.
Services
Robotic automation has transformed the manufacturing industry and has the potential to change many other aspects of our lives. However robotics has made relatively less progress in other important industries which have a complex and time variant landscape. Vision is the missing capability that currently prevents robots from performing useful tasks in the complex, unstructured and dynamically changing environments in which we live and work.
Seeing is a lot more than just processing images. It is a complex process tightly coupled with memory - which enables an understanding of the scenario required to robustly perform tasks that involve objects and places. These are tightly coupled with action, thereby providing rapid and continuous feedback for control.
For these reasons combining Image Processing with Machine Learning is highly advisable. All algorithms are to be developed in a manner that enables real-time execution on commodity embedded systems. | http://www.coldvision.io/ |
Mothers who homeschool their children constantly face judgmental questions about their choices, and yet the homeschooling movement continues to grow with an estimated 1.5 million American children now schooled at home. These children are largely taught by stay-at-home mothers who find that they must tightly manage their daily schedules to avoid burnout and maximize their relationships with their children, and that they must sustain a desire to sacrifice their independent selves for many years in order to savor the experience of motherhood.Home Is Where the School Is is the first comprehensive look into the lives of homeschooling mothers. Drawing on rich data collected through eight years of fieldwork and dozens of in-depth interviews, Jennifer Lois examines the intense effects of the emotional and temporal demands that homeschooling places on mothers' lives, raising profound questions about the expectations of modern motherhood and the limits of parenting.
More than 1.5 million children in the United States are homeschooled. This number, a conservative estimate, represents 2.9 percent of the schoolage population¹ and is up significantly from the mid-1980s, when the U.S. Department of Education estimated that fewer than 300,000 American children were homeschooled.² Since 1993, every state has provided a legal option for parents to educate their children at home,³ and although homeschoolers have gained legal legitimacy and visibility with their growing numbers, they have yet to secure mainstream acceptance. Homeschooling is widely misunderstood by the non-homeschooling public, and homeschooling parents themselves feel the stigma sharply each time...
Because PATH served as a support group for more than 600 member families and its events were open to the public, I attended my first meeting assuming I would lurk anonymously to get a feel for the issues homeschoolers faced. But when I arrived and saw only a few dozen chairs set in a circle in the middle of the gymnasium, and a like number of people milling about, I knew I was not simply going to blend into the background.
At 7:00 p.m., the moderator and longtime PATH president, Charlie Cooper, herded the group, mostly mothers, toward the circle...
There is a substantial body of research covering many aspects of mothering in the contemporary United States. Some of the main findings with regard to mothers’ emotions are important to lay out now, since they provide a framework to understand homeschoolers’ experiences and their identities as mothers.
To trace the many contours of the mothering experience, we must give systematic attention to mothers’ emotions, both the emotions we think good mothers should feel and those they actually do. A useful concept for understanding these socially constructed ideas is “emotional culture,” which refers to a shared set of beliefs about emotions,...
The vast majority of homeschoolers are stay-at-home mothers in two-parent, heterosexual families with a husband supporting the family in the paid labor force. That is not to say that homeschooling is impossible when a mother works, when a father is in charge of the children’s education, or in single-parent families—indeed, homeschooling happens in all types of family configurations—but because homeschooling takes an extraordinary amount of time and attention, it is much easier to accomplish when the labor is divided so that one parent can be devoted to it full-time. Because mothers are much more likely than fathers to...
Non-homeschooling strangers, friends, and family members, whom I have called “outsiders,” frequently criticized homeschoolers for keeping their children out of conventional schools, often implying—and sometimes stating outright—that they were irresponsible mothers for doing so. The criticism was constant, and over time homeschoolers became adept at defending their parenting choices and fighting the stigma of homeschooling.
Commonly understood, a stigma is a negative label applied to people who have broken a social norm, suggesting they are somehow inferior or immoral for deviating from society’s rules. Sociologists’ view of stigma, however, is slightly more nuanced because of our perspective that...
In the previous chapters, I explained how the emotional culture of intensive mothering affected homeschoolers’ lives dramatically. The beliefs about how mothers should feel, along with how they should demonstrate their commitment to their children, drove homeschoolers to extend their commitment to stay-at-home motherhood for an additional twelve years. In addition, I showed how homeschoolers actively drew on the ideology of intensive mothering to justify their decision to homeschool, neutralize outsiders’ criticism of their emotional deviance, and maintain their identities as good mothers.
As I explored the emotional culture of homeschooling motherhood further, I discovered that the issue of time...
The way household labor is divided in most families disproportionally taxes mothers, affects their time greatly, and influences their feelings about their husbands and families. Not only do mothers do more work than fathers in the majority of heterosexual, intact families with children, but they are more likely than fathers to become run-down and emotionally drained.¹ The mothers I studied reported that homeschooling added so much extra work to their already busy lives that it often pushed them into “homeschool burnout.”
Burnout is an emotional and temporal phenomenon: it occurs over time, when people deplete their emotional resources more quickly...
So far, I have examined mothers’ time in a variety of ways. When the mothers I studied talked about the emotional difficulties of homeschooling, time was almost always implicated in some way. When they were stressed about their children’s lack of progress, it was often because they measured it against their temporal expectations, for example, as when Whitney worried that there was “no way” her son was going to complete his math book by the end of the traditional school year. When mothers became overwhelmed by the increased domestic load, it was because they did not feel they had enough...
The twenty-four interviews from 2002 illuminated many ways that the emotional and temporal aspects of homeschooling affected mothers’ experiences. However, I wondered how mothers fared over time: How did emotions, time, and other factors affect their commitment to homeschooling throughout the years? And how did these factors influence their identities as mothers? To answer these questions, I reinterviewed sixteen of the original mothers in 2008–9, six to seven years after their initial interviews.¹
Assessing mothers’ commitment to homeschooling at the time of the second interview was not as simple as establishing who had homeschooled their children through the age...
Before I present mothers’ follow-up stories, it is important to explain how the local homeschooling culture changed in the interim between the two interviews. As I mentioned in the introduction, most public schools in our county had established Parent-School Partnership (PSP) programs by 2008, in which the district provided a certified teacher to act as an academic adviser/facilitator for families, serve as a liaison between them and the school district, and organize an offering of classes for homeschooled students. Several of my interviewees had utilized these programs, and they invariably reported that it made their experiences more manageable because they...
The previous chapter presented mothers’ look back on their homeschooling journey and discussed some of the struggles they encountered along the way. This chapter focuses on the second of my three purposes in conducting the follow-up interviews in 2008–9: to ask mothers to take stock of the present—where were they now? Because so many early-career homeschoolers had expressed insecurity in the first interviews, I wanted to ask in the follow-ups whether they thought homeschooling had worked for their children. Some mothers were quite certain about their answers, often because they had finished with some children or were nearing...
In 2002, mothers talked a great deal about how labor-intensive homeschooling was and how it sapped them of any time for themselves. Although they often wished for a lighter domestic load and time to themselves, over the years I also heard many mothers express anxiety about the direction their lives would take at the end of their homeschooling careers. At one PATH meeting, for example, a mother said she had felt like “a ship without a rudder” since her last child had gone off to community college. Thus, in 2008–9 I made it a point to ask mothers about...
Throughout this book, I have explored the experiences of homeschooling mothers. I have examined how mothers made decisions to homeschool, responded to outsider criticism, handled the increased domestic labor, dealt with losing me-time, understood their journey in retrospect, viewed their children’s successes, and planned for the future. Several themes have run throughout the course of this study: the self and identity, emotional culture, and the temporal dimensions of mothering. Some of these themes intersect, and I turn now to analyze these intersections theoretically.
Emotions such as guilt, resentment, frustration, pride, joy, and love are central to the experience of intensive... | https://slave2.omega.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt155jkgv |
Whether you are a student, a researcher, a professional or simply curious, the MUDO – Musée de l'Oise Documentary Resource Centre is open to you as part of your visit to the museum, or to learn more about our collections.
The library has some 9,000 works (monographs, encyclopaedias, dictionaries, manuals, exhibit catalogues, museum catalogues, university works, etc.) covering the major areas of art from ancient times to the present.
Some forty subscriptions to specialized periodicals keep the library up to date with the world of art and research.
Acquisitions are made in keeping with the collections and events that punctuate the life of the Museum. Bequests and exchanges also enhance the collection. In 2014, the collection grew by more than 200 works. A selection of library acquisitions will also be regularly available.
You can consult the library by clicking here.
The MUDO Resource Centre has a list of works available for exchanges between museum libraries. You may submit your requests using the contact form.
Download the list of duplicates for exchange.
Documentation plays a crucial role in the collection, management, conservation and distribution of information concerning the museum's works: surveys of works, artists and themes. This information is entered in a database that is expanded and illustrated over time. Research requests may be submitted to the librarians.
As part of the museum's documentation, the photo library keeps the museum's photo collection. This collection is being digitized.
Any request for photographs of works is evaluated in terms of their use and the medium in which they will appear. It is subject to contract.
The Documentary Resource Centre is located on the ground floor of the Rodin house, a museum annex located at 23, rue de l'école du chant. A computer station is available to users. It enables visitors to consult the library catalogue and the collection database.
Works may be consulted only on site and by appointment. | http://mudo.oise.fr/en/museum/the-documentary-resource-centre/ |
U. MICHIGAN (US) — A new equation could do for organic semiconductors what the Shockley ideal diode equation did for inorganic semiconductors: help to enable their wider adoption.
Without the Shockley equation, the computers of today would not be possible. Developed in 1949 by William Shockley, the inventor of the transistor, the Shockley equation describes the relationship between electric current and voltage in inorganic semiconductors such as silicon.
The new equation describes the relationship of current to voltage at the junctions of organic semiconductors—carbon-rich compounds that don’t necessarily come from a biological source, but resemble them. Two papers on the work are published in the current edition of Physical Review B.
Organic semiconductors present special challenges for researchers because they are more disordered than their inorganic counterparts. But they could enable advanced solar cells, thin and intense OLED (organic light-emitting diode) displays, and high-efficiency lighting.
“The field of organic semiconductor research is still in its infancy. We’re not making complicated circuits with them yet, but in order to do that someday, we need to know the precise relationship of current and voltage. Our new equation gives us fundamental insights into how charge moves in this class of materials. From my perspective, it’s a very significant advance,” says Steve Forrest, a professor of electrical engineering at the University of Michigan.
About six years ago, researchers in Forrest’s lab realized that they could use Shockley’s equation to describe the current/voltage relationship in their organic solar cells to a degree.
“It fit nicely if you didn’t look too hard,” Forrest says.
Their findings were published, and from that time on, many physicists and engineers used the Shockley equation for organic semiconductors even though it didn’t describe the physics perfectly. The new equation does.
Forrest says it will allow researchers to better describe and predict the properties of the different organic semiconductors they’re working with. And in that way, they’ll be able to more efficiently choose which material best suits the needs of the device they’re working on.
Others contributing to this work are affiliated with Argonne National Laboratory’s Center for Nanoscale Materials and Northwestern University.
This research is funded in party by the Department of Energy’s Office of Basic Energy Sciences through the U-M Center for Solar and Thermal Energy Conversion, and the Argonne-Northwestern Solar Energy Research Center. | https://www.futurity.org/equation-could-advance-oled-displays/ |
London, The UK has announced plans to tackle the "obesity time bomb", with a ban on adverts for junk food at specific times, the cancellation of "buy one get one free" deals on such items and a decision to put the calorie count on menus.
In addition to the ban on adverts before 9 p.m., on food deals and plans for calorie counts on menus, the government said on Sunday that it will arrange a consultation about displaying calories on alcohol, reports Xinhua news agency.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson will unveil the strategy on Monday amid growing evidence of a link between obesity and an increased risk from COVID-19.
Government statistics have showed that nearly 8 per cent of critically ill patients in intensive care units with the virus have been morbidly obese, compared with 2.9 per cent of the general population.
The British are more overweight than any other nation in Europe except the Maltese, he said last month, adding that his government described "tackling the obesity time bomb" as a priority.
"Losing weight is hard but with some small changes we can all feel fitter and healthier," Johnson said in a statement.
"If we all do our bit, we can reduce our health risks and protect ourselves against coronavirus -- as well as taking pressure off the NHS (National Health Service)," he added. | https://nirogstreet.com/blog/health-news/uk-announces-plans-to-tackle-obesity-time-bomb |
The hardening distortions with respect to base body, clutch teeth and helical gears are investigated for a serial-produced main shaft gear of a 20NiCrMoS6-4 steel. The influences of casting geometry, annealing heat treatment and stress relief annealing of blanks, as well as vertical and horizontal loading arrangements during case hardening, are studied. The concentricity, roundness and runout of clutch teeth and helical gears are measured in the soft machined, hardened and hard-machined conditions.
The Brinell hardness is measured on blanks obtained from different manufacturing routes showing differences in hardness and scatter. Stress relief annealing lowers the hardness and the scatter for all groups, but has no significant effect on distortions. The case depth, core hardness and surface hardness are measured after hardening. The study shows that the surface hardness correlates with the oil flow measured in the quench tank.
The effect of casting geometry is stronger for the clutch teeth compared to the helical gears. For the clutch-teeth roundness and runout, significantly lower values are found for square geometry compared to rectangular. It is also seen that the major part of the runout comes from roundness errors which are mainly induced by the hardening. Horizontal loading reduces roundness errors and runout but produces conical base-bodies with worse backplane flatness.
QC 20170516
Hardening distortions are unwanted changes in shape and dimension that arise during hardening of steel components. Uncontrolled distortions induce random errors to the manufacturing process, and have a strong negative impact on manufacturing costs. The distortions are not only caused by the hardening process, several factors from previous manufacturing steps including the component geometry itself contribute to varying extent. The aim of the current work is to investigate the main influencing factors on hardening distortions for serial produced gears.
The investigations were done on two different types of gears for heavy-duty transmissions, crown wheels for the rear axle central gear and main shaft gears for the gearbox. The steel was produced using either continuous casting or ingot casting. For rectangular continuously cast steel, the effect of disabling magnetic stirring of the steel melt during casting was investigated, finding a strong reduction of gear runout for crown wheels. Segregations in crown wheels produced from the top and bottom of ingots were shown to go in opposite directions, producing opposite back-face tilts.
For crown wheels quenched one at a time, influences of stacking level on the hardening tray were found, indicating an impact from small variations in the carburizing process, despite identical quenching conditions. For main shaft gears, horizontal loading gave considerably less roundness and runout errors but increased flatness errors compared to vertical loading.
This thesis shows the complexity of the distortion phenomenon and how several factors interact and contribute to the final result. It is shown that factors with significant impact on hardening distortions for one component may be less important for another component. With this in mind, each type of component to be hardened should be produced by a manufacturing chain where each process step is carefully chosen with respect to minimizing distortions. | http://kth.diva-portal.org/smash/record.jsf?pid=diva2%3A1095944&c=44&searchType=SIMPLE&language=en&query=&af=%5B%5D&aq=%5B%5B%7B%22personId%22%3A%22u1wyfpgo%22%7D%5D%5D&aq2=%5B%5B%5D%5D&aqe=%5B%5D&noOfRows=50&sortOrder=author_sort_asc&sortOrder2=title_sort_asc&onlyFullText=false&sf=all |
To determine how cells maintain the integrity of their genomes, to define the landscapes of cancer genomes, and to facilitate the identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The research and collaboration activities are organized around the central concepts that cancer results from the accumulation of genomic alterations, and that well-defined descriptions of DNA repair mechanisms, cancer genomes, and gene expression landscapes can reveal the vulnerability of cancer to interventions.
To elucidate mechanisms of genome maintenance through the study of cell and molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, structural biology, and by using small animal and other model organisms. The goals are to elucidate the core mechanisms that provoke genomic instability, including imprecise repair of DNA damage, DNA replication infidelity, and chromosome segregation errors, and how they lead to cancer and treatment susceptibility.
To understand the regulatory networks that coordinate tumorigenesis-modulating pathways with genome maintenance using cell and molecular biology approaches. The goals are to understand how gene expression regulation and signal transduction networks respond to intrinsic cellular homeostasis and environment changes and interface with DNA repair and genome maintenance machineries to modulate tumorigenesis.
To define the altered genome landscape and unique gene expression signatures in cancer using computational and experimental genomic approaches. The goals are to identify: 1) clinically relevant tumor sub-types based on molecular profiling; 2) the process of tumor clonal evolution, heterogeneity and the associated driver mutations; 3) cancer-relevant non-coding variants and coding variants of unknown significance; and 4) the underlying mechanism of genomic instability based on the profiling of global genome changes in cancer. | http://cinj.org/research/genomic-instability-and-cancer-genetics-research-program |
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