Negation as failure for disjunctive logic programming

We generalize the Negation-as-Failure procedure for disjunctive logic programming. Then we compare our method with related methods in the literature. We also propose a new completion theory for disjunctive logic programs which allows some program clauses to have inclusive meaning and the others exclusive meaning.     

Clinical applications of fundus reflection densitometry

Fundus reflection densitometry or retinal densitometry is a non-invasive technique to examine the visual photopigment kinetics in living eyes. The technique is based on the comparison of the reflected light from the fundus in a fully light adapted eye (when all visual photopigment has been bleached) with the reflected light following complete dark adaptation (when the retina contains its maximum amount of visual photopigment). The technique provides a measure of the density of visual photopigment, its time constant of regeneration, its distribution and spectral characteristics if measured at a series of wavelengths. Fundus reflection densitometry in the human eye was introduced 40 years ago. Presently, it is the only available technique from which direct and objective insight can be obtained into visual photopigment. This knowledge is particularly relevant in eyes where abnormalities of photoreceptor function are suspected. This paper summarizes the current knowledge of fundus reflection densitometry in the diseased and in the aging human retina, gathered over the last 30 years. Considerable improvements of the instrument for clinical purposes have been obtained, and are also discussed.     

Stability radius of implicit dynamic equations with constant coefficients on time scales

This paper deals with the stability radii of implicit dynamic equations on time scales when the structured perturbations act on both the coefficient of derivative and the right-hand side. Formulas of the stability radii are derived as a unification and generalization of some previous results. A special case where the real stability radius and the complex stability radius are equal is studied. Examples are derived to illustrate results.     

Motivating instructions increases children’s sensory sensitivity

AimTo determine the impact of competitive and cooperative instructions on children’s motivation and performance of sensory tests.Subjects and methodsGerman children (n = 202; 101 girls, 101 boys, 6–9 year-olds) participated in liking and similarity tests after giving either (1) competitive: “I want to see if you can do it better than others”, (2) cooperative: “Would you like to help me”, (3) competitive–cooperative: “Would you like to help me to be better than the other group”, or (4) neutral instructions: “Could you perform this test”. Furthermore, they were asked questions about their motivation.ResultsCompetitive–cooperative instructions were associated high intrinsic motivation (p < 0.05) and better ability to discriminate between different samples in terms of liking, than when other instructions were given. Competitive instructions were associated with a lower performance of the similarity test (p < 0.05). The more children enjoyed the task the better they were able to perform the similarity test (p < 0.05).ConclusionGerman children’s sensory sensitivity can be increase by giving competitive–cooperative instructions. This is likely to be associated with a high intrinsic motivation.     

Design of transition cores of RSG GAS (MPR-30) with higher loading silicide fuel

A procedure of designing transition cores to achieve the equilibrium silicide core of RSG GAS with higher fuel loading of 300 g U/fuel element (FE) (meat density of 3.55 g U/cm³) has been proposed. In the proposed procedure, the EOC excess reactivity of each transition core is minimized in order to satisfy the safety design limit of one-stuck-rod sub-criticality margin while keeping the maximum of radial power peaking factor below the allowable value. Under the design procedure, the initial fuel loadings are increased gradually in two steps, i.e. from 250 to 275 g U/FE followed by 275-300 g U/FE. The analysis results show that all transition cores can satisfy all design requirements and safety limits. We concluded that the obtained transition core design should be adopted into the future core conversion program of RSG GAS. The targeted silicide core can be achieved practically in at least 24 transition cores.     

‘Thermal bridge’ calculations for anti-condensation standards

New Dutch standards to restrict heat loss and minimise the risk of condensation in dwellings focus attention on the parts of a structure where heat can escape across ‘thermal bridges’. This paper, originally presented at a meeting of the CIB working commission which deals with heat and moisture transfer, describes computer-based work on the subject, with particular emphasis on the calculations of the thermal bridge effect.     

Improving the biodegradability of grain distillery wastewater for use as UASB substrate by combinations of ozonation/enzymatic pre-treatments.

The effect of ozonation and enzyme combination pre-treatments on the composition of grain distillery wastewater (GDWW) was investigated. Exposure of UASB granules to these pre-treated GDWW was evaluated by determining the effect on granule activity, visual appearance and lipid content of the granules. Pre-treatments involving a pre-ozonation step were found to be more effective in reducing the lipid and COD content of GDWW. The higher the lipid and COD reduction achieved by the pre-treatments the higher the granule activity after 24 d exposure, the lower the lipid content in the granule and the less severe the formation of an encapsulating layer.