A Multicriteria Decision Support Methodology for Annual Rehabilitation Programs of Water Networks

Abstract:   This article provides an overview of a multicriteria decision support methodology for annual rehabilitation programs of water networks. A first set of criteria is formulated for the purpose of comparing and ranking rehabilitation projects. Each proposed criterion is a measure of a particular impact of the condition of a pipe. The ELECTRE TRI method is implemented for defining rehabilitation priorities . Two reference profiles are used to define the limits of three categories associated with three increasing priority levels. With these two reference profiles, applying the ELECTRE TRI method to an asset stock ( a set of pipes that are candidates for rehabilitation ) means assigning each pipe to one of six possible priority groups. A second set of criteria, based on the concept of efficiency, is proposed for comparing alternative rehabilitation programs ( subsets of the asset stock ).     

Fundamental and third-order harmonic modelocking of an Er:Yb:glasslaser

Fundamental harmonic modelocking operation at 2.5 GHz of an Er:Yb:glass laser by an LiNbO₃ phase modulator has been achieved in a compact resonator configuration. A comparison with third-order harmonic modelocking of the same laser in a folded cavity is presented     

BRAF Gene and Melanoma: Back to the Future

As widely acknowledged, 40–50% of all melanoma patients harbour an activating BRAF mutation (mostly BRAF V600E). The identification of the RAS–RAF–MEK–ERK (MAP kinase) signalling pathway and its targeting has represented a valuable milestone for the advanced and, more recently, for the completely resected stage III and IV melanoma therapy management. However, despite progress in BRAF-mutant melanoma treatment, the two different approaches approved so far for metastatic disease, immunotherapy and BRAF+MEK inhibitors, allow a 5-year survival of no more than 60%, and most patients relapse during treatment due to acquired mechanisms of resistance. Deep insight into BRAF gene biology is fundamental to describe the acquired resistance mechanisms (primary and secondary) and to understand the molecular pathways that are now being investigated in preclinical and clinical studies with the aim of improving outcomes in BRAF-mutant patients.     

Properties of bioriented nylon 6 films related to film production technology

Four production steps, extrusion, blowing, stabilization, and finishing, are involved in the manufacture of biorented nylon 6 films. The films obtained after each step were studied by wide‐angle diffraction X‐rays, IR analysis, and density measurements. Orientation in the amorphous phase was evaluated by thermal retraction. Free volume was investigated by positron annihilation spectroscopy. Mechanical properties were tested by tensile tests, and permeability was tested with isopiestic permeameters. Quenching, after extrusion, generated an unstable γ crystalline phase and an amorphous phase. Blowing transformed the unstable γ phase into the thermodynamically stable α phase and increased the chain orientation; stabilization increased α phase crystals, favored hydrogen bond formation and, therefore, the mechanical properties, leaving unchanged the chain orientation; the final treatment increased the mechanical properties. The film permeabilities to O₂, N₂, and CO₂ were practically unchanged after each production step; this result may be explained by considering that the nanoholes, present in the films and responsible for the diffusion inside the polymer, maintained practically constant their radius, whereas their number concentration decreased slowly after thermomechanical treatments. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 559–571, 2002     

A Survey of Optical Flow Techniques for Robotics Navigation Applications

Optical flow has been widely used by insects and birds to support navigation functions. Such information has appealing capabilities for application to ground and aerial robots, especially for navigation and collision avoidance in urban or indoor areas. The purpose of this paper is to provide a survey of existing optical flow techniques for robotics navigation applications. Detailed comparisons are made among different optical-flow-aided navigation solutions with emphasis on the sensor hardware as well as optical flow motion models. A summary of current research status and future research directions are further discussed.     

Probabilistic consensus clustering using evidence accumulation

Machine Learning - Clustering ensemble methods produce a consensus partition of a set of data points by combining the results of a collection of base clustering algorithms. In the evidence...     

Use of scanning probe microscopy to study the evolution of nanometer sized liquid structures

The evolution of the profile of nanometer sized water drops on a mica surface has been studied through hydration scanning probe microscopy. A time range from a few seconds down to a fraction of millisecond after the formation of the drop has been explored. This high time resolution has been obtained by sampling a series of statistically equivalent drops. This approach also avoids any probe interference during the drop evolution process.     

Empirical evaluation of an educational game on software measurement

Software measurement is considered important in improving the software process. However, teaching software measurement remains a challenging issue. Although, games and simulations are regarded powerful tools for learning, their learning effectiveness is not rigorously established. This paper describes the results of an explorative study to investigate the learning effectiveness of a game prototype on software measurement in order to make an initial judgment about its potential as an educational tool as well as to analyze its appropriateness, engagement and strengths & weaknesses as guidance for further evolution. Within the study, a series of experiments was conducted in parallel in three master courses in Brazil. Results of the study reveal that the participants consider the content and structure of the game appropriate, but no indication for a significant difference on learning effectiveness could be shown.