bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relations as transformations: Implications for analogical reasoning
Authors: Leech Robert , Mareschal Denis , Cooper Richard P.
Published: July 2007

We present two experiments assessing whether the size of a transformation instantiating a relation between two states of the world (e.g., shrinks) is a performance factor affecting analogical reasoning. The first experiment finds evidence of transformation size as a significant factor in adolescent analogical problem solving while the second experiment finds a similar effect on adult analogical reasoning using a markedly different analogical completion paradigm. The results are interpreted as providing evidence for the more general framework that cognitive representations of relations are best understood as mental transformations.
Multifactorial context effects on visual recognition memory
Authors: Vakil Eli , Raz Tal , Levy Daniel A.
Published: July 2007

While effects of contextual change or constancy on memory are widely found when tested by free and cued recall, there is greater inconsistency in context effects on recognition. This study employed a paradigm maximizing target–context interactivity and specificity to reveal three levels of context effects on successful retrieval, as well as context effects on the generation of false alarms, thereby revealing separable contributions of target–context binding, additive familiarity, and configural constancy. The separability of these factors enables the use of memory context effects as tools for investigating associative memory.
National identity and the representation of Italy at war: the case of Combat film
Authors: Monticelli Simona
Published: July 2007

This article examines the documentary series Combat film made by Leonardo Valente and Roberto Olla for Rai-Uno. Shown in April 1994, the series was based on film taken by the American army (1943-5) and provoked a national scandal when it was first shown. The article argues that in order to fully understand Combat film it is necessary to look at the overall design of the programme as well as its content. By concentrating on the ‘special’ shown on 5 April 1994 the author demonstrates how the revisionist message of ‘national reconciliation’ which underlies the programme is reinforced by a series of formal and technical strategies.
Redox Cycles of Caffeic Acid, alpha‐Tocopherol, and Ascorbate: Implications for Protection of Low‐Density Lipoproteins Against Oxidation
Authors: Laranjinha Joao , Cadenas Enrique
Published: July 2007

This study addresses the dynamic interactions among alpha‐tocopherol, caffeic acid, and ascorbate in terms of a sequence of redox cycles aimed at accomplishing optimal synergistic antioxidant protection. Several experimental models were designed to examine these interactions: UV irradiation of alpha‐tocopherol‐containing sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles, one‐electron oxidations catalyzed by the hypervalent state of myoglobin, ferrylmyoglobin, and autoxidation at appropriate pHs. These models were assessed by ultraviolet (UV) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), entailing direct‐ and continuous‐flow experiments, spectroscopy and by separation and identification of products by HPLC. The alpha‐tocopheroxyl radical EPR signal generated by UV irradiation of alpha‐tocopherol containing micelles was suppressed by caffeic acid and ascorbate; in the former case, no other EPR signal was ob served at pH 7.4, whereas in the latter case, the alpha‐tocopheroxyl radical EPR signal was replaced by a doublet EPR spectrum corresponding to the ascorbyl radical (A). The potential interactions between caffeic acid and ascorbate were further analyzed by assessing, on the one hand, the ability of ascorbate to reduce the caffeic acid o‐semiquinone (generated by oxidation of caffeic acid by ferrylmyoglobin) and, on the other hand, the ability of caffeic acid to reduce ascorbyl radical (generated by autoxidation or oxidation of ascorbate by ferrylmyoglobin). The data presented indicate that the reductive decay of ascorbyl radical (A) and caffeic acid o‐semiquinone (Caf‐O) can be accomplished by caffeic acid (Caf‐OH) and ascorbate (AH), respectively, thus pointing to the reversibility of the reaction Caf‐O + AH Caf‐OH + A‐. Continuous‐flow EPR measurements of mixtures containing ferrylmyoglobin, alpha‐tocopherol‐containing micelles, caffeic acid, and ascorbate revealed that ascorbate is the ultimate electron donor in the sequence encompassing transfer of the radical character from the micellar phase to the phase. In independent experiments, the effects of caffeic acid and ascorbate on the oxidation of two low density lipoprotein (LDL) populations, control and alpha‐tocopherol enriched, were studied and results indicated that alpha‐tocopherol, caffeic acid, and ascorbate acted synergistically to afford optimal protection of LDL against oxidation. These results are analyzed for each individual antioxidant in terms of three domains: its localization and that of the antioxidant‐derived radical, its reduction potential, and the predominant decay pathways for the antioxidant‐derived radical, that exert kinetic control on the process.
Effects of Ceramide, the Fas Signal Intermediate, on Apoptosis and Phospholipase D Activity in Mouse Ovarian Granulosa Cells in Vitro
Authors: Kim Jong‐Hoon , Yoon Yong‐Dal , Shin Incheol , Han Joong‐Soo
Published: July 2007

Although recent studies have demonstrated that ovarian follicular atresia occurs by apoptosis of granulosa cells, the intracellular signaling pathways involved in apoptotic cell death are still poorly characterized. We examined the role of ceramide as a candidate intracelluar mediator of Fas‐mediated signaling in cultured granulosa cells. Expression of Fas antigen was demonstrated by Western blot of granulosa cell lysates and immunostaining of cultured granulosa cells. Exposure of granulosa cells to anti‐Fas monoclonal antibody (anti‐Fas mAb) resulted in significant sphingomyelin hydrolysis, which was accompanied by a progressive increase in endogenous levels of ceramide. The addition of exogenous C6‐ceramide induced drastic morphological change, including nuclear fragmentation and typical apoptotic DNA degradation. Furthermore, both anti‐Fas mAb and C6‐ceramide decreased phospholipase D (PLD) activity and diacylglycerol (DAG) concentrations in a time‐ or a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, treatment with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate completely attenuated the ceramide‐induced inhibition of PLD activity and partially suppressed ceramide‐induced apoptosis. These results indicate that the Fas/ceramide signaling pathway might play a role in granulosa cell apoptosis and suggest that the PLD/DAG pathway might be cross‐linked to the Fas/ceramide pathway in apoptotic processes of granulosa cells.
Making equalities work? Scottish trade unions’ approaches to equal opportunities
Authors: Lindsay Colin , Munro Anne , Wise Sarah
Published: July 2007

Purpose

This paper seeks to analyse trade unions’ approaches to equal opportunities in Scotland, focusing on issues of: recruitment of membership from different groups; promoting diversity in post‐holding; and the role of “key equalities issues” in collective bargaining.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on in‐depth interviews with equalities officers of 26 unions in Scotland. The analysis takes as its starting point the three models of equality policies identified by Rees: the “sameness”, “difference” and “transformation” models.

Findings

The paper argues that, although some equalities officers demonstrated a thorough understanding of the issues, union approaches to equalities in practice reflect the “sameness”, and to some extent “difference”, models: attacking direct discrimination and insisting that members should be treated the same, establishing some limited mechanisms to reflect on the different needs of groups, but being less able to tackle the underlying structural causes of inequality. It is suggested that unions need to develop a more sophisticated analysis of equal opportunities which fully reflects the differences between the experiences of groups of workers and which challenges the fundamental, structural inequalities within (and therefore seeks to transform) organisations and labour markets. A key element of this agenda must be the mainstreaming of equal opportunities within collective bargaining.

Research limitations/implications

Further research is required on how unions are beginning to deal with the issues raised in the paper. The paper is also limited to the views of individual equalities officers – further research on local practice is required.

Practical implications

The findings will be of interest to organisations engaged in equalities work and unions seeking to develop policy and practice in this area.

Originality/value

The paper will add to the literature on unions’ approaches to equalities. It applies the Rees model to extensive new data, and is the first major piece of research to address these issues within the Scottish policy context.
Prevalence and socio‐demographic correlates of drug use among adolescents: results from the Mexican Adolescent Mental Health Survey
Authors: Benjet Corina , Borges Guilherme , Medina‐Mora Maria Elena , Fleiz Clara , Blanco Jeronimo , Zambrano Joaquin , Rojas Estela , Ramirez Miriam
Published: July 2007

Aims  To estimate the life‐time and 12‐month prevalence of illicit drug use among Mexican adolescents, the age of onset of first drug use and the socio‐demographic correlates.

Method  A multi‐stage probability survey of adolescents aged 12–17 years residing in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area was carried out in 2005. Adolescents were administered the computer‐assisted adolescent version of the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview by trained lay interviewers in their homes. The response rate was 71% (n = 3005). Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed considering the multi‐stage and weighted sample design of the survey.

Findings  Of the adolescents, 5.2% have ever tried illicit drugs, 2.9% in the last 12 months. The most frequently used drugs are marijuana, followed by tranquilizers/stimulants. The median age of first use is 14 years. Correlates of life‐time drug use are older age, having dropped out of school, parental drug problems, low religiosity and low parental monitoring.

Conclusions  While drug use among Mexican adolescents is lower than among adolescents from other developed countries, its increasing prevalence with age and the narrowing male/female ratio calls for firm public health actions, particularly prevention strategies.
Crystal Structure and Thermoelectric Properties of YAl3C3
Authors: Fukuda Koichiro , Hisamura Miyuki
Published: July 2007

The crystal structure of YAl3C3was refined from laboratory X‐ray powder diffraction data (CuKα1) using the Rietveld method. The crystal structure is hexagonal (space groupP63mc,Z=2) with lattice dimensionsa=0.342157(4) nm,c=1.72820(1) nm, andV=0.175217(3) nm3. The final reliability indices wereRwp=9.94% (Rwp/Re=1.18),Rp=7.36%,RB=1.77%, andRF=1.03%. The compound shows an intergrowth structure with electroconductive [YC2] thin slabs separated by Al4C3‐type [AlC] layers. This material had thermoelectric properties superior to those of the layered carbides Zr2[Al3.56Si0.44]C5, Zr2Al3C4, and Zr3Al3C5in the temperature range of 500– 1073 K, with a maximal power‐factor value of 1.96 × 10−4W·(m·K2)−1at 1073 K.
The balance of effort in forecasting
Authors: Brown Robert Goodell
Published: July 2007

This paper discusses some problems currently facing forecasters and expresses some of the author's beliefs of how such problems can be handled. It is the author's hope that such discussion will help practitioners to understand and better deal with these problems while, at the same time, stimulate research and influence the thinking of academicians. As with the previous work of this author, the present paper will be practical and brief.
Time series forecasting using robust regression
Authors: Levenbach Hans
Published: July 2007

The method of ordinary least squares (OLS) and generalizations of it have been the mainstay of most forecasting methodologies for many years. It is well‐known, however, that outliers or unusual values can have a large influence on least‐squares estimators. Users of automatic forecasting packages, in particular, need to be aware of the influence that outlying data values can have on statistical analyses and forecasting results. Robust methods are available to modify least‐squares procedures so that outliers have much less influence on the final estimates; yet these formal methods have not found their way into general forecasting procedures. This paper provides a case study in which classical least‐square‐estimation procedures are complemented with a robust alternative to enhance statistical fit criteria and improve forecasting performance. The study suggests that much can be gained in understanding the nature of outliers and their influence on forecasting performance by performing a robust regression in addition to OLS.
Combining multiple forecasts given multiple objectives
Authors: Reeves Gary R. , Lawrence Kenneth D.
Published: July 2007

This paper is concerned with expanding the decision support capabilities of computerized forecasting systems. The expansion allows for the systematic combination of multiple forecasts and the explicit consideration of multiple objectives in the forecast selection process. The methodology used is multiple objective linear programming. Selecting an individual forecast based upon a single objective may not make the best use of available information for a variety of reasons. Combined forecasts may provide a better fit with respect to a single objective than any individual forecast. Even if an individual forecast does provide a good fit with respect to a single objective, a combined forecast may provide a better fit with respect to multiple objectives. An example is used to illustrate the expanded decision support system, its outputs and their properties.
How Accurate are the U.S. Bureau of the Census Projections of Total Live Births?
Authors: Ahlburg Dennis A.
Published: July 2007

The accuracy of total live birth forecasts issued by the U.S. Bureau of the Census was analysed. Forecast accuracy has not improved significantly since 1950. Further, the forecasts are not more accurate than several naive alternatives. Moving from a period methodology to a cohort methodology improved forecast accuracy for certain forecasts. The Bureau of the Census systematically underestimated total births in the upswing and overestimated in the downswing.
Price forecasting and evaluation: An application in agriculture
Authors: Brandt Jon A. , Bessler David A.
Published: July 2007

Because of the high volatility of prices of agricultural commodities over the past decade, the importance of accurate price forecasting for decision makers has become even more acute. This paper reviews literature on forecasting and evaluation. An application with forecasting U.S. hog prices is presented which includes both economic and statistical evaluation measures. Seven forecasting approaches are described and their performances are examined over 24 quarters from 1976 to 1981. These methods include exponential smoothing, an autoregressive integrated moving average process, an econometric model, expert judgement, and a composite forecasting approach. The application gives results which support previous findings in the forecasting literature and suggests that forecasting methods can provide valuable information to the decision maker.
The changing status of women in management in the public administration of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Rawaf Monirah
Published: July 2007

This paper is a brief summarization of doctoral research which was recently completed by the author on conditions facing the modern Saudi Arabian woman in her efforts to become a part of the administrative structure of the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The first part of the paper is a brief historical account detailing women's participation in public administration and how it has evolved. The second concerns itself with those obstacles most commonly cited by female administrators as having an adverse impact on their job performance, motivation and advancement. The third and final section provides recommendations to ameliorate barriers and broaden opportunities for women working in positions in public management in Saudi Arabia.
The organization and management of ministries of education in small states
Authors: Bray Mark
Published: July 2007

Until recently, the literature on public administration has been almost exclusively based on the concerns and features of medium‐sized and large states. Few studies have addressed the special features of public administration in small states. This paper helps to redress this situation by focusing on Ministries of Education in small states. It is mainly based on a Commonwealth survey of 15 countries in the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, the Indian Ocean, Asia and the South Pacific. Among the questions addressed in the paper are ones on the range of functions undertaken by Ministries of Education and on such personnel matters as job definition and recruitment. The paper also examines issues of management in the highly personalized environment found in small states.
Institutional development in the era of economic policy reform: Concerns, contradictions and illustrations from Malawi
Authors: Hirschmann David
Published: July 2007

The article argues that the essence of economic policy reform programmes—both their substance and their pace—runs counter to the central notions of sound institutional development. Attention is first given to some fundamental concerns about the relationship between the two processes, in particular focusing on questions of culture, speed of change and the political environment. The article then provides some illustrations from Malawi, looking in turn at collateral institutional damage, the new generation of semiautonomous organizations, confusing incentives systems in the areas of salaries, housing and training, and lack of serious concern for the sustainability of the reforms. The conclusion calls for returning ‘part‐ownership’ of the reform programme to the local officials, and trying to reduce some of the institutional unreality, which seems to adhere to the implementation of the reforms.
‘Successful African local government’: Some methodological and conceptual issues
Authors: Therkildsen Ole
Published: July 2007

Attempts to identify and explain successful African local governments are made in a special issue of Public Administration and Development (Vol. 12, No. 1, 1992). These attempts are critically assessed, specifically the choice of indicators, the analysis of structures and actors, aggregation, and the role of political factors. It is argued that methodological and conceptual improvements in these areas are needed to advance the comparative study of African local government performance. Future studies should also pay more attention to equity, to resource mobilization from poor and declining economic bases, and to the impact of political pluralism.
Decentralization and accountability in the health sector from an international perspective: What are the choices?
Authors: Mills Anne
Published: July 2007

This article reviews alternative decentralization policies for the health sector. It discusses the forms that decentralization can take, illustrating these with country examples. It then considers the choice of levels in a decentralization policy and the desirability of the creation of health boards or authorities. Decentralized authorities can be given differing levels of responsibility for different tasks: those considered here are revenue raising, policy‐making and planning, resource allocation, funding of service provision and interagency and intersec‐toral coordination. The article concludes by considering some criteria for evaluating decentralization approaches.
Civil service and democracy: Questions in reforming the civil service in eastern and central Europe
Authors: Ridley F. F.
Published: July 2007

The debate over public service reform is taking place at a time of flux when old models are being challenged everywhere. This article discusses issues of institutional transfer, as between western and east and central Europe, relative to civil service reform and democratisation. It presents several models to describe the place of the civil service in the democratic state and the implications of each for civil service organisation. It argues for a better balance between a legal approach, which tends to dominate advice coming from some continental European countries, and one which emphasises ‘good’ rather than just ‘correct’ relations between administration and citizens. This distinction is fundamental in so far as, under the UK Citizens Charter for example, the citizen is seen as a ‘customer’ rather than a mere ‘user’ of services he has no influence over. The article concludes that, given the differences in culture, political climate and economic situation of ‘recipient’ countries in east and central Europe, each must search for its own reforms, looking for questions rather than answers.
Theories of Gravitation
Authors: Sexl Roman U.
Published: July 2007

This paper presents a systematic study of the theories of gravitation that have been proposed. We restrict ourselves to an investigation of the linear approximation since new connections with experiment can be expected in this order in χ only.

It turns out that all theories that differ from general relativity contain a scalar field and describe gravitation by a mixture of scalar and tensor interactions. The scalar has negative energy in theories with light deflection larger than the Einstein value. As a consequence instabilities of cosmic systems and continuous creation result in this case. Furthermore, the emission of gravitational radiation with negative energy could be the energy source of the quasars.

The question of the mass renormalization of the scalar is investigated. No unique answer is possible at present.

Finally a new class of gravitational theories is given.
Taguchi methods: Some technical, cultural and pedagogical perspectives
Authors: Goh T. N.
Published: July 2007

It has been a decade since the term ‘Taguchi methods’ became part of the vocabulary of the quality profession in the West, particularly the U.S. The decade has also seen heated debates mounted by two distinct camps of professionals, one unfailingly extolling the new‐found virtues and power of Taguchi methods, while another persistently exposing the flaws and limitations inherent in them. Against this backdrop, this paper offers some pertinent perspectives on the subject for those who have to decide ‘to Taguchi, or not to Taguchi’ in personnel training and actual applications. Eventually, as for most issues, the middle ground seems to be the most sensible way out; however, the chosen course of action will be on much firmer ground if it is based on a good understanding of the interplay of factors underlying the controversies—‐technical, cultural and even pedagogical. For this reason such factors are highlighted in this paper in a non‐mathematical language for the benefit of decision makers and quality practitioners in industry who cannot afford to wade through the theoretical discourses in the literature, although academics may find some of the views expressed here by themselves subjects for further discussion and research.
The complementary weibull distribution: Unknown or just forgotten?
Authors: Drapella Antoni
Published: July 2007

A lifetime model is put forward, which at first glance is very similar to the Weibull distribution, but has quite different properties, being of special interest for practitioners. Three examples are given as an evidence of a wide applicability. A ‘successor’ to the commonly criticized exponential distribution is proposed.
Power‐temperature cycle accelerated testing
Authors: Hart Louis J. , Bruning Kipp L.
Published: July 2007

Two separate reliability models are proposed which one may wish to use to assess product performance. By combining stresses associated with traditional high temperature tests, temperature cycling tests and power cycling tests, we believe more representative and comprehensive reliability tests can be created. Although this understandably makes the models employed slightly more complex, the introduction of a step‐stress methodology compensates for this, thereby eliminating the requirement for additional test cells to determine the particular model's parameters. Estimates for the model parameters, or their associated acceleration factors relative to the normal use environment, will enable us to make accurate reliability predictions.
Economic tolerance design for quality
Authors: Jeang Angus
Published: July 2007

This paper provides a few general mathematical models for determining product tolerances which minimize the combined manufacturing costs and quality loss. The models contain quality cost with a quadratic loss function and represent manufacturing costs with geometrical decay functions. The models are also formulated with multiple variables which represent the set of characteristics in a part. Applications of these models include minimizing the total cost with effective tolerance allocation in product design.
Write/erase degradation and disturb effects in source‐side injection flash eeprom devices
Authors: Wellekens Dirk , van Houdt Jan , Groeseneken Guido , Maes Herman E. , Faraone Lorenzo
Published: July 2007

An in‐depth analysis of the write/erase degradation of source‐side injection flash EEPROM devices is performed, which reveals two mechanisms underlying this degradation: a decrease of the charge per cycle on the floating gate, accompanied by the series effect of oxide and interface charges locally trapped above the channel. In addition, the main disturb effects are characterized and shown to be non‐critical for reliable cell operation.
Software safety initiatives
Authors: Keene Samuel J.
Published: July 2007

This paper addresses system safety aspects of product development with primary application to the U.S.A. Department of Defense (DoD) development process. Software is recognized as an increasingly important element of system reliability and safety. This is due to two reasons: first, the amount of code used in products is growing at an exponential rate over time, and secondly, the criticality of the software encoded functions is increasing dramatically. Emphasis has correspondingly increased on software and system aspects of safety. This is in addition to the more traditional elements of hardware product safety. Design guides are offered that help ensure development of both reliable and safe software.
A connected spoken word recognition algorithm by augmented continuous DP matching
Authors: Nakagawa Sei‐Ichi
Published: July 2007

Because utterance duration differs even for the same words spoken by the same person, normalization for time variances is essential in any pattern matching method of speech recognition.

Several methods have been proposed to date but there have been some drawbacks. We present herein a word spotting method using endpolnt‐free matching for input pattern with asymmetric DP path. A similar method proposed by Nakatsu et al. [8], is also discussed.
Fractal feature and texture analysis
Authors: Kaneko Hiroshi
Published: July 2007

Although fractal dimension is popular in computer graphics, it is not yet utilized adequately in image analysis. Thus, this paper presents an example of the application of fractal dimension to image analysis. First, the conventional fractal concept is described and then the possibilities of its application to image processing are discussed. Then a new fractal feature is proposed which can be applied to general images. This is a localized, two‐dimensionalized concept of fractal dimension and is considered to have greater image‐analyzing capability than the conventional simple fractals. Next, these features are measured for texture images and their characters and image‐analyzing capabilities are investigated. The main results are as follows: (1) although the fractal dimension is known as a measure of complexity, its characters differ from the entropy or the variance; (2) the fractal dimension assumes unique value for each texture. Especially, if the newly proposed fractal feature is used, it is possible to recognize texture image to some extent.
A high‐speed dp‐matching algorithm based on frame synchronization, beam search and vector quantization
Authors: Sakoe Hiroaki , Fujii Hiromi , Yoshida Kazunaga , Watari Masao
Published: July 2007

This paper discusses the high‐speed DP‐matching as the speech recognition algorithm including connected word sequence recognition. The first improvement is the frame synchronization. By this elaboration, an improvement of the speed by approximately one order of magnitude is achieved, compared with the consecutive word recognition of two‐level DP‐matching type, where DP‐matching is iterated by assuming that any time in the input speech can be the word boundary. The second improvement is the introduction of the beam search.

This paper discusses the practical aspects of combining the beam search and DP‐matching. The discussion includes the construction of the work area, control of DP recursive expression and other problems, aiming at an effective reduction of the computational complexity for the recursive expression. The third improvement is the built‐in vector quantization. It is shown that an effective reduction of the computational complexity for the local distance can be produced through a skillful integration of the beam search and the vector quantization.

Through an evaluation experiment for the discrete word, it is seen that there is a possibility of achieving the speed improvement by a factor of 30. This corresponds to the speed improvement of two or more orders of magnitude, compared with the two‐level DP‐matching for the consecutive word sequence recognition algorithm.
Pseudorandom pattern built‐in self‐test for embedded rams
Authors: Yamada Teruhiko , Nakajima Hiroshi
Published: July 2007

The self‐test of built‐in RAMs is an excellent method to simplify the testing of VLSI. This paper considers the built‐in self‐test using the linear feedback shift registers on the pseudorandom input generator and the output signature analyzer. It is demonstrated that the method is useful in testing RAM embedded in VLSI. First, the random test required for testing the functional faults of RAM is analyzed, indicating that the random test can be applied to the embedded RAM. Then a built‐in self‐test for the embedded RAM using the linear feedback shift registers is proposed. Finally, the fault‐detection capability of the proposed test method is demonstrated by a computer simulation.
Phoneme segmentation expert system using spectrogram reading knowledge
Authors: Hatazaki Kaichiro , Komori Yasuhiro , Kawabata Takeshi , Shikano Kiyohiro
Published: July 2007

A human expert is able to determine phoneme boundaries through spectrogram reading with high accuracy using one's knowledge and strategy. The authors developed a phoneme segmentation expert system which simulates a human expert spectrogram reading process using knowledge and strategy. This expert system detects phonemes from a continuous speech spectrogram and determines phoneme boundaries with their coarsely classified phoneme according to human expert knowledge and strategy which is described as rules. An assumption‐based inference with certainty factors and top‐down acoustic feature extraction under phoneme context hypotheses are incorporated into the expert system to simulate the phoneme contextual fuzzy knowledge and strategy used by a human expert. This framework makes it possible to deal with phoneme variations caused by coarticulation, and to extract accurate acoustic features on a spectrogram for phoneme segmentation. Japanese consonant segmentation knowledge currently is incorporated into the system which detected 90.8 percent of the phonemes correctly. In particular, the average alignment error of phoneme boundaries detected by the system was 5.8 ms, which is as accurate as those detected by a human expert.
Space interface device for artificial reality—SPIDAR
Authors: Sato Makoto , Hirata Yukihiro , Kawarada Hiroshi
Published: July 2007

To realize the human interface which efficiently models a three‐dimensional shape on a computer, it is necessary to provide an environment in which the shape model can be manipulated directly as the actual three‐dimensional object. Such an environment is called the virtual work space. In the human manipulation of an object by hand, such sensations as visual, tactile (touch), and force are utilized unconsciously.

To compose the virtual work space, it is important that the human be given such sensory information in an integrated way. Such information must totally be generated artificially by computer processing. Based on such an idea, this paper proposes anew a space interface device called SPIDAR, as the I/O device needed in composing the virtual work space. The device functions to derive the information concerning the finger position and to provide the force sense information to the finger tip.

The virtual work space for generation and manipulation of the three‐dimensional shape is composed using SPIDAR. An experiment is conducted to examine the effect of the force sense on the direct manipulation of the three‐dimensional shape in the virtual work space, and the usefulness of the method is verified.
Recurrent spinal arachnoid cyst in a cat
Authors: Schmidt Martin J. , Schachenmayr Walter , Thiel Cetina , Kramer Martin
Published: July 2007

Spinal arachnoid cysts (SACs) are uncommon expanding lesions in the spinal canal. They are rarely diagnosed in dogs, and there are only four published cases in cats. We report a case of a 12-year-old cat with recurrent signs of intermittent urinary incontinence and hind limb ataxia 2 years after surgical marsupialisation of a spinal arachnoid cyst at T11/12. Recurrence of a cyst was diagnosed by myelography. Repeated marsupialisation after laminectomy was successful and the cat recovered satisfactorily although intensive physical therapy was necessary. SACs are very rare in cats and seem to occur mainly as a secondary lesion to spinal and meningeal trauma or irritation due to bony changes of the vertebrae.
Substitution effects of barium and calcium on magnetic properties of AxSr1−x(Fe0.5Ru0.5)O3 double perovskites (x=0.05, A=Ba,Ca)
Authors: Nomura K. , Zboril R. , Tucek J. , Kosaka W. , Ohkoshi S. , Felner I.
Published: July 2007

A x Sr 1 − x ( Fe 0.5 Ru 0.5 ) O 3 double perovskites (x=0.05 and A=Ba,Ca) were prepared by a sol-gel method and an effect of the cation substitution at the A site of the crystal structure of SrFe0.5Ru0.5O3 on their magnetic properties was monitored by x-ray diffraction (XRD), magnetic measurements, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and temperature-dependent and in-field Fe57 Mössbauer spectroscopy. Both Ca- and Ba-substituted samples reveal the orthorhombic structure similar to the undoped perovskite; however, the cell volume changes with the substituting ion radius. TEM and SEM micrographs manifest agglomerated nanocrystalline samples with particle sizes of about 20–60, 15–50, and 40–70nm for the undoped, Ba-doped, and Ca-doped perovskites, respectively. Generally, the magnetic regime of both substituted and undoped perovskites can be described by a spin-glass behavior caused by a spin frustration. Among other factors, this is manifested by a nonsaturation of the hysteresis loops even at a high field of 50kOe, by a low-temperature divergence of the zero-field-cooled and field-cooled magnetization curves, and by a cusp in the zero-field-cooled magnetization curve. The low-temperature spin-glass state is also supported by the in-field Mössbauer spectra, recorded on these systems. The isomer shift parameters, extracted from the Mössbauer spectra, confirm a high-spin iron(III) state with S=5∕2. In contrast to the undoped and Ba-doped samples, the narrower distribution of the hyperfine magnetic fields, observed in the Ca-doped perovskite can be ascribed to the larger particles. Compared to the undoped sample, the field of maximum probability is higher in the Ca-substituted perovskite while it is reduced in the Ba-doped sample because of the effects of the chemical compression and expansion, respectively. In addition, the Ca-doped sample exhibits more negative Weiss temperature (Θ=−105K) than that found for the Ba-substituted perovskite (Θ=−49K), implying that doping with Ca at Sr sites of SrFe0.5Ru0.5O3 perovskite structure provokes strengthening of antiferromagnetic interactions at the expense of the other ones. Furthermore, both substituted samples reveal significantly reduced coercive fields in the hysteresis loops recorded at 5K, probably as a result of decreasing magnetocrystalline anisotropy. This is an indirect evidence of the essential influence of the substitution on the crystal growth of the synthesized particles. The role of SrRuO3 and SrFeO3 compounds, which have been detected in magnetic and Mössbauer measurements as admixtures, is discussed.
The study of low-field positive and negative magnetic entropy changes in Ni43Mn46−xCuxSn11 alloys
Authors: Wang D. H. , Zhang C. L. , Xuan H. C. , Han Z. D. , Zhang J. R. , Tang S. L. , Gu B. X. , Du Y. W.
Published: July 2007

A series of Ni43Mn46−xCuxSn11 (x=1, 2, and 3) alloys was prepared by the arc melting method. The martensitic transition shifts to a higher temperature with increasing Cu concentration. The isothermal magnetization curves around the martensitic transition temperature show a typical metamagnetic behavior. Under a low applied magnetic field of 10kOe, positive values of magnetic entropy change around the martensitic transition temperature are 14.1, 18.0, and 15.8J∕kgK for x=1, 2, and 3, respectively. While in the vicinity of the Curie temperature of the austenitic phase, these negative values are 1.1, 1.0, and 0.9J∕kgK for x=1, 2, and 3, respectively. The origin of the large entropy changes and the potential application for Ni43Mn46−xCuxSn11 alloys as a working substance for magnetic refrigeration are discussed.
Frequency response analysis of pentacene thin-film transistors with low impedance contact by interface molecular doping
Authors: Miyadera Tetsuhiko , Minari Takeo , Tsukagoshi Kazuhito , Ito Hiromi , Aoyagi Yoshinobu
Published: July 2007

Frequency response measurements were performed on top-contact pentacene organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs). The ac characteristics of OTFTs are strongly limited by the contact interface between a metallic electrode and a pentacene thin film. Local doping of a charge transfer molecule (CTM) into the contact interface efficiently improves the ac characteristics. Metal-insulator-semiconductor capacitance measurements revealed that the interface contains parasitic impedance composed of capacitance and resistance in parallel. The parasitic impedance was suppressed by CTM doping of the interface. The limitation factors for the frequency of operation in such an OTFT are discussed based on the experimental results and an equivalent circuit model.
Brilliant and tunable color of carbon-coated thin anodic aluminum oxide films
Authors: Wang X. H. , Akahane T. , Orikasa H. , Kyotani T. , Fu Y. Y.
Published: July 2007

When a thin anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) film on an Al substrate is uniformly coated with carbon by chemical vapor deposition, the saturation of interference color is substantially enhanced and, as a result, the coated AAO film exhibits a brilliant color. Such remarkable saturation enhancement is predominantly due to the carbon deposited on the inner walls of nanochannels of the AAO film, which efficiently screens the reflected light from AAO–Al interface. The brilliant carbon-coated AAO film is useful for weather-resistant decorative purposes and holds promise as an effective broadband optical limiter for nanosecond laser pulse.
Quantifying and mapping the human appropriation of net primary production in earth's terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Haberl Helmut , Erb K. Heinz , Krausmann Fridolin , Gaube Veronika , Bondeau Alberte , Plutzar Christoph , Gingrich Simone , Lucht Wolfgang , Fischer-Kowalski Marina
Published: July 2007

Human appropriation of net primary production (HANPP), the aggregate impact of land use on biomass available each year in ecosystems, is a prominent measure of the human domination of the biosphere. We present a comprehensive assessment of global HANPP based on vegetation modeling, agricultural and forestry statistics, and geographical information systems data on land use, land cover, and soil degradation that localizes human impact on ecosystems. We found an aggregate global HANPP value of 15.6 Pg C/yr or 23.8% of potential net primary productivity, of which 53% was contributed by harvest, 40% by land-use-induced productivity changes, and 7% by human-induced fires. This is a remarkable impact on the biosphere caused by just one species. We present maps quantifying human-induced changes in trophic energy flows in ecosystems that illustrate spatial patterns in the human domination of ecosystems, thus emphasizing land use as a pervasive factor of global importance. Land use transforms earth's terrestrial surface, resulting in changes in biogeochemical cycles and in the ability of ecosystems to deliver services critical to human well being. The results suggest that large-scale schemes to substitute biomass for fossil fuels should be viewed cautiously because massive additional pressures on ecosystems might result from increased biomass harvest.
Camouflage, Conspiracy, and Collaborators: Rumors of the Revolution
Authors: Pliskin Karen L.
Published: July 2007

A well-educated, wealthy, 35-year-old woman from Tehran reported the following: “Someone I know has a man working for him whose brother is a gravedigger. He dug graves for those murdered in Jaleh Square 40 days ago. He said they needed a bulldozer to dig the ground for all the dead. An entire tent was filled with chadors. Fifty thousand people were killed.”

The Jaleh Square incident of Tehran was a momentous event in the Iranian revolution, marking popular revolt against the shah's regime by the people, and retaliatory atrocities by the shah's army against the people. Although demonstrations and killings in other cities after Jaleh Square were no less dramatic, Jaleh Square remains in the minds of nearly everyone in Iran as the principal episode of innocent citizens slaughtered. Yet, details and facts pertaining to the event are undocumented. What is known is that thousands of people participated in a massive antishah demonstration on Thursday, September 7, 1978, to demand the resignation of the shah, defying a government ban on rallies.
The Concept of Dependent Development as a Key to the Political Economy of Qajar Iran (1800–1925)
Authors: Foran John
Published: July 2007

A central controversy in the economic history of Iran revolves around the nature of the changes that occurred in the nineteenth century: was there an economic “decline” or, on the other hand, can one see the “beginnings of modernization” in the long reign of the Qajar dynasty from 1800 to 1925? Did living standards rise or fall? Did the level and type of consumption improve or deteriorate for the majority of the population? And were the dominant trends positive or negative within the subsectors of peasant agriculture, tribal pastoralism and urban production and trade? The Qajar period has found a number of good historians but has been plagued by problems of conceptualization and interpretation. Two very different judgments have arisen: on one side, Nowshirvani, Gilbar and Nashat have advanced analyses highlightingprogress,in terms of “commercialization of agriculture,” “modernization of institutions,” “rise in per capita incomes,” and so forth. On the other, Issawi, Bharier and Keddie have painted more sober portraits emphasizing “relative economic stagnation and very slow development,” especially compared with Egypt and the Ottoman empire.
In the Enemy's Camp: Homer's Helen and Ferdowsi's Hojir
Authors: Davis Dick
Published: July 2007

This paper will attempt to compare a famous scene in Ferdowsi's Shāhnāmeh with an equally well-known one in Homer's Iliad. There are broadly three ways in which such a comparison can be made. Similarities and differences can be ascribed to reasons of genre, or to the nature of the underlying mythical material and sources utilized by the poets in question, or to a consciousness of, and use by, the later poet of the earlier poet's work, at whatever stage of remoteness. Elsewhere I have touched on genre as a cause for apparent similarities between the two superficially quite different epic traditions of Greece and Iran, indicating that the king/champion conflict described by W. T. H. Jackson as typical of the European epic is also a characteristic of the Iranian Shāhnāmeh.
Explaining the Yugoslav meltdown, 1: “For a charm of pow'rful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble”:1Theories about the Roots of the Yugoslav Troubles
Authors: Ramet Sabrina P.
Published: July 2007

We all know why the Socialist Federated Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) disintegrated and why the War of Yugoslav Succession (1991–1995) broke out. It was all because of Milošević/Tudjman/“the Slovenes”/communists/organized crime/Western states/the Vatican–Comintern conspiracy, who planned it all by himself/themselves in order to advance his own personal/Serbian/Slovenian/American/Vatican interests—your choice. Or again—it all happened because of local bad traditions/economic problems/structural issues/system illegitimacy/legitimate grievances/illegitimate grievances/the long shadow of the past. Or again—it really started in 1389/1463/1878/1918/1941/1986/1987/1989/1990/1991—your pick. Of course, we all know that both the breakup and the war were completely avoidable/inevitable, don't we? And best of all, we all know that the real villain(s) in this drama can only be Milošević/Tudjman/“the Serbs”/“the Slovenes”/“the Croats”/“the Muslims”/Germany/Balkan peoples generally/the Great Powers, who must be held (exclusively/jointly) responsible for most of the killing, though some of us also know that all parties were equally guilty. Well, maybe we all know what caused the Yugoslav troubles, but it seems that we “know” different things.
National Identity and National Interest in Polish Eastern Policy, 1989–2004
Authors: Fedorowicz Krzysztof
Published: July 2007

The processes of democratic social and political changes in Poland that have gained momentum since 1989 have radically altered the foundations and the goals of Polish foreign policy. In addition to re-establishing Polish interests as the basis for foreign policy, they have also started the process of establishing a new element of Polish diplomacy, namely its eastern policy. In these altered political conditions it was the right time to ask the question of how to establish new relationships in the East, how to normalize relations with the USSR and, finally, what stance should be adopted towards the increasing independence claims of individual Soviet republics. The process of establishing a democratic Poland was concurrent with the reconstruction, and later, with the fall of the USSR. In addition, the convoluted history of Polish-Ukrainian and Polish-Lithuanian relationships from the very beginning hindered the attempt of Polish diplomacy to establish new contacts with its eastern partners.
Integrating the Economic and the Social
Authors: Betteley David , Valler David
Published: July 2007

Since the mid-1990s policy “integration” has become an increasingly salient theme within central government and local government policy-making. In this paper we report survey findings tracing the recent emergence of explicitly “integrated” local economic and social strategies, and the evolving position of ostensibly social themes in local economic strategies. These highlight some of the more important policy and institutional changes that have characterised local economic strategy in the post-Thatcher era. Subsequently, in the light of this initial data we outline a number of possible directions for further research.