Deductive Systems in Traditional and Modern Logic

The book provides a contemporary view on different aspects of the deductive systems in various types of logics including term logics, propositional logics, logics of refutation, non-Fregean logics, higher order logics and arithmetic

Robust low power CMOS methodologies for ISFETs instrumentation

I have developed a robust design methodology in a 0.18 [Mu]m commercial CMOS process to circumvent the performance issues of the integrated Ions Sensitive Field Effect Transistor (ISFET) for pH detection. In circuit design, I have developed frequency domain signal processing, which transforms pH information into a frequency modulated signal. The frequency modulated signal is subsequently digitized and encoded into a bit-stream of data. The architecture of the instrumentation system consists of a) A novel front-end averaging amplifier to interface an array of ISFETs for converting pH into a voltage signal, b) A high linear voltage controlled oscillator for converting the voltage signal into a frequency modulated signal, and c) Digital gates for digitizing and differentiating the frequency modulated signal into an output bit-stream. The output bit stream is indistinguishable to a 1st order sigma delta modulation, whose noise floor is shaped by +20dB/decade. The fabricated instrumentation system has a dimension of 1565 [Mu] m 1565 [Mu] m. The chip responds linearly to the pH in a chemical solution and produces a digital output, with up to an 8-bit accuracy. Most importantly, the fabricated chips do not need any post-CMOS processing for neutralizing any trapped-charged effect, which can modulate on-chip ISFETs’ threshold voltages into atypical values. As compared to other ISFET-related works in the literature, the instrumentation system proposed in this thesis can cope with the mismatched ISFETs on chip for analogue-to-digital conversions. The design methodology is thus very accurate and robust for chemical sensing

Cargo transportation by airships: A systems study

A systems engineering study of a lighter than air airship transportation system was conducted. The feasibility of the use of airships in hauling cargo was demonstrated. Social, legal, environmental and political factors were considered as well as the technical factors necessary to design an effective airship transportation system. In order to accomplish an effective airship transportation program two phases of implementation were recommended. Phase I would involve a fleet of rigid airships of 3.5 million cubic feet displacement capable of carrying 25 tons of cargo internal to the helium-filled gas bag. The Phase I fleet would demonstrate the economic and technical feasibility of modern-day airships while providing a training capability for the construction and operation of larger airships. The Phase II portion would be a fleet of rigid airships of 12 million cubic feet displacement capable of carrying a cargo of 100 tons a distance of 2,000 miles at a cruising speed of 60 mph. An economic analysis is given for a variety of missions for both Phase I and Phase II airships

Decent working time: New trends, new issues.

Includes selected papers from the 9th International Symposium on Working Time, Paris (2004), looking at the increasing use of results-based employment relationships for managers and professionals, and the increasing fragmentation of time to more closely tailor staffing needs to customer requirements (e.g., short-hours, part-time work). Moreover, as operating/opening hours rapidly expand toward a 24-hour and 7-day economy, the book considers how this has resulted in a growing diversification, decentralization, and individualization of working hours, as well as an increasing tension between enterprises' business requirements and workers' needs and preferences regarding their hours. It addresses issues such as increasing employment insecurity and instability, time-related social inequalities, particularly in relation to gender, workers' ability to balance their paid work with their personal lives, and the synchronization of working hours with social times, such as community activities. In addition, the book offers suggestions on how policy-makers, academics, and the social partners can together help further develop effective policies for advancing "decent working timeRéduction du temps de travail; Aménagement du temps de travail; Horaires de travail; Labor laws and legislation; Developed countries; Trend; Arrangement of working time; Flexible hours of work; Hours of work;

The agrarian economy of Romney Marsh and its hinterland, with special reference to the Knatchbull estate, c. 1730-90

This study explores the agrarian economy of Romney Marsh and its hinterland, c. 1730-90. It offers a fresh contribution to current knowledge in respect of landlord-tenant relations, landholding structures and farming practice. Some 60 years are covered, framed within a wider context embracing two distinct and contrasting economic phases that characterized the long eighteenth century. Special reference to the Knatchbull family affords in-depth insight into an eighteenth century Kentish landed estate, whose interests lay on the marsh and its hinterland. There is an appraisal of the character and values of Sir Wyndham Knatchbull in his official and unofficial roles at the head of the community. Aspects of the Home Farm economy of Mersham Hatch are explored. Particular attention is paid to landlord-tenant relations, and the multi-dimensional nature of negotiations for substantial holdings on Walland Marsh. The impact of a windfall inheritance is seen when, from 1763, the seventh baronet succeeded to the estate. Using early Land Tax evidence for the region, there is a comprehensive analysis of landownership and land occupation structures, c. 1746-90. An unusually large area is covered, for an exceptionally early period, adding substantially to current knowledge. Marsh tax evidence discloses landownership and land occupation structures on Walland/Denge, 1738-91. Used in tandem with the tax listings, the wider interests of ‘dual-regional’ farmers are more fully appreciated, and for whom knowledge has hitherto been confined to their operations on the marsh. These findings, together with the investigation of previously unexplored aspects of farming practice, offer fresh insight into the symbiotic relationship between the marsh and its hinterland. The influence of ties of social obligation and market-led considerations on landlord-tenant relations are recurring themes. On the marsh, tenant initiative and market demand are seen as the main driving forces that re-shaped patterns of landholding over the period

Youth Health and Safety Groups: Process Evaluation from an Intervention in Danish Supermarkets

Young workers employed in temporary positions constitute a vast part of the employees in the Danish retail sector. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the implementation of an intervention to establish H&S groups for young workers in Danish supermarkets. The intervention aimed to include and involve the young workers in the management of their work environment and work conditions, and simultaneously to strengthen the organization’s ability to include them in the H&S management. The study was designed as a multiple case study. Twelve youth H&S groups were established and ran for 2 months within 10 supermarkets. Results based on qualitative data suggest that H&S groups for young workers have potential for increasing inclusion and involvement in the work environment among the young workers and for being beneficial for the supermarkets. However, the implementation requires continuous support from the management and H&S representatives

The presenting symptoms of cancer patients and associations with diagnostic timeliness

Diagnosing cancer earlier is an important strand of cancer control. Interventions promoting early diagnosis such as awareness campaigns and fast-track clinical pathways are increasingly commonplace in England and other countries, but their theoretical underpinning is limited. Cancer symptoms are critical components of such interventions, but evidence regarding the presenting symptoms of individuals diagnosed with cancer and measures of diagnostic timeliness remains sparse. I sought to address this evidential gap using data from the first English National Audit of Cancer Diagnosis in Primary Care on a large and representative cohort of cancer patients. Using symptom status (ascertained through the coding of free-text information on presenting symptoms), I identified and described a group of atypically diagnosed cancer patients before proceeding to examine the nature and frequency of presenting symptoms and associated diagnostic timeliness among symptomatic cancer patients. I profiled the broad range of presenting symptoms beyond breast lump among women diagnosed with breast cancer, and found that non-lump symptoms were associated with longer intervals to presentation and referral. I also described variation in diagnostic timeliness among cancer patients who presented with abdominal symptoms, and the case-mix of cancers they were subsequently diagnosed with. The relative length of time to presentation and referral varied by abdominal symptom. A considerable proportion of cancer patients who presented with abdominal symptoms were diagnosed with other solid tumours or haematological cancers, particularly for non-specific abdominal symptoms. Lastly, I examined the association between alarm symptoms and stage at diagnosis among cancer patients who had presented promptly. While most alarm symptoms at presentation were associated with early stage disease, the extent of the association was highly variable compared to patients with other symptomatic presentations. This thesis provides exemplar evidence regarding the epidemiology of presenting symptoms among cancer patients and associated diagnostic timeliness. Together with other evidence, the findings could contribute to the design and evaluation of symptom awareness campaigns and healthcare interventions that expedite the investigation and diagnosis of cancer