Meta-Level Inference and Program Verification

In [Bundy and Sterling 81] we described how meta-level inference was useful for controlling search and deriving control information in the domain of algebra. Similar techniques are applicable to the verification of logic programs. A developing meta-language is described, and an explicit proof plan using this language is given. A program, IMPRESS, is outlined which executes this plan

The state of workplace union reps organisation in Britain today

This article provides a brief evaluation of the state of workplace union reps’ organization in Britain as we approach the second decade of the 2000s. It documents the severe weakening of workplace union organization over the last 25 years, which is reflected in the declining number of reps, reduced bargaining power and the problem of bureaucratization. But it also provides evidence of the continuing resilience, and even combativity in certain areas of employment, of workplace union reps organization, and considers the future potential for a revival of fortunes

End-to-End Learning Via a Convolutional Neural Network for Cancer Cell Line Classification

Purpose: Computer vision for automated analysis of cells and tissues usually include extracting features from images before analyzing such features via various machine learning and machine vision algorithms. The purpose of this work is to explore and demonstrate the ability of a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to classify cells pictured via brightfield microscopy without the need of any feature extraction, using a minimum of images, improving work-flows that involve cancer cell identification. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology involved a quantitative measure of the performance of a Convolutional Neural Network in distinguishing between two cancer lines. In their approach, they trained, validated and tested their 6-layer CNN on 1,241 images of MDA-MB-468 and MCF7 breast cancer cell line in an end-to-end fashion, allowing the system to distinguish between the two different cancer cell types. Findings: They obtained a 99% accuracy, providing a foundation for more comprehensive systems. Originality/value: Value can be found in that systems based on this design can be used to assist cell identification in a variety of contexts, whereas a practical implication can be found that these systems can be deployed to assist biomedical workflows quickly and at low cost. In conclusion, this system demonstrates the potentials of end-to-end learning systems for faster and more accurate automated cell analysis

Stochastic Workflow Scheduling with QoS Guarantees in Grid Computing Environments

Grid computing infrastructures embody a cost-effective computing paradigm that virtualises heterogenous system resources to meet the dynamic needs of critical business and scientific applications. These applications range from batch processes and long-running tasks to more real-time and even transactional applications. Grid schedulers aim to make efficient use of Grid resources in a cost-effective way, while satisfying the Quality-of-Service requirements of the applications. Scheduling in such a large-scale, dynamic and distributed environment is a complex undertaking. In this paper, we propose an approach to Grid scheduling which abstracts over the details of individual applications and aims to provide a globally optimal schedule, while having the ability to dynamically adjust to varying workloa

A national survey exploring views and experience of health professionals about transferring patients from critical care home to die.

BACKGROUND: Transferring critically ill patients home to die is poorly explored in the literature to date. This practice is rare, and there is a need to understand health care professionals' (HCP) experience and views. OBJECTIVES: To examine (1) HCPs' experience of transferring patients home to die from critical care, (2) HCPs' views about transfer and (3) characteristics of patients, HCPs would hypothetically consider transferring home to die. DESIGN: A national study developing a web-based survey, which was sent to the lead doctors and nurses in critical care units. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Lead doctors and senior nurses (756 individuals) working in 409 critical care units across the United Kingdom were invited to participate in the survey. RESULTS: In total, 180 (23.8%) completed surveys were received. A total of 65 (36.1%) respondents had been actively involved in transferring patients home to die and 28 (15.5%) had been involved in discussions that did not lead to transfer. Respondents were supportive of the idea of transfer home to die (88.8%). Patients identified by respondents as unsuitable for transfer included unstable patients (61.8%), intubated and ventilated patients (68.5%) and patients receiving inotropes (65.7%). There were statistically significant differences in views between those with and without experience and between doctors and nurses. Nurses and those with experience tended to have more positive views. CONCLUSION: While transferring patients home to die is supported in critical care, its frequency in practice remains low. Patient stability and level of intervention are important factors in decision-making in this area. Views held about this practice are influenced by previous experience and the professional role held

Comparative Analysis of the Quality of the Shallow and Deep Aquifer Waters of Nsukka SE, Nigeria – A Preliminary Approach to Water Resource Development

Comparative analysis of the shallow and deep aquifers of Nsukka SE, Nigeria was studied as a preliminary approach for the underground  water resource development of the region.  Method of approach involves the identification of rock formations and delineation of their stratigraphic  relationships. Activities involved collection and analysis of water samples from boreholes and hand dug wells. A total of 14  water samples were collected (7 from shallow and deep aquifer each) and analyzed  for inorganic and organic components. Ca2+, Na+, Mn2+, Cl-, Pb and Cd were analyzed  using Atomic absorption spectroscopy. K+ was determined using flame photometer method. Copper Cu2+ was analyzed  using spectrophotometer, pH  was analyzed with the aid of pH  meter, Fe2+ was  determined calorimetrically using Spekker absorption meter; Tds was determined using glass fiber filter. Turbimetric method was used to assess turbidity. Anions like HCO3- were also estimated by titrimetric  method. Coliform analysis was carried out by the most probable number technique (MPN). The result shows that average pH  for deep and shallow aquifer gives 5.8 and 6.3, sulphate 14.2 and 10.97, Nitrate 2.5 and 2.2., Phosphate 1.48 and 1.68, iron 1.98 and 1.60 magnesium 11.4 and 11.8, Sodium 1.80 and 2.4, Chloride 8.4 and  9, Tds 33.51 and 62.17. The coliform count ranges from 3/100 to 7/100 ml only for shallow aquifer (pollution), magnesium is the major  contributors of hardness in both cases.  Deep aquifer water plots as magnesium cation and a no dominant anion and on the transition between fresh and salt water (brackish water). The shallow aquifer has magnesium sulphate and plots in the zone of sea water, and shows hard water. The SAR for deep aquifer is 0.58, while that of shallow aquifer is 0.32 both are excellent for irrigation. Both waters are ideal for use in industries and homes, while the aquifers are highly polluted by iron, the shallow aquifer is polluted by water  borne diseases. Reference to these information is ideal for the water resource development of the region. Keywords: Aquifers, Comparison, water quality, Nsukka SE, Anambra basin  SE Nigeri

Quantifying errors due to frequency changes and target location uncertainty for radar refractivity retrievals

Radar refractivity retrievals can capture near-surface humidity changes, but noisy phase changes of the ground clutter returns limit the accuracy for both klystron- and magnetron-based systems. Observations with a C-band (5.6 cm) magnetron weather radar indicate that the correction for phase changes introduced by local oscillator frequency changes leads to refractivity errors no larger than 0.25 N units: equivalent to a relative humidity change of only 0.25% at 20°C. Requested stable local oscillator (STALO) frequency changes were accurate to 0.002 ppm based on laboratory measurements. More serious are the random phase change errors introduced when targets are not at the range-gate center and there are changes in the transmitter frequency (ΔfTx) or the refractivity (ΔN). Observations at C band with a 2-μs pulse show an additional 66° of phase change noise for a ΔfTx of 190 kHz (34 ppm); this allows the effect due to ΔN to be predicted. Even at S band with klystron transmitters, significant phase change noise should occur when a large ΔN develops relative to the reference period [e.g., ~55° when ΔN = 60 for the Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) radars]. At shorter wavelengths (e.g., C and X band) and with magnetron transmitters in particular, refractivity retrievals relative to an earlier reference period are even more difficult, and operational retrievals may be restricted to changes over shorter (e.g., hourly) periods of time. Target location errors can be reduced by using a shorter pulse or identified by a new technique making alternate measurements at two closely spaced frequencies, which could even be achieved with a dual–pulse repetition frequency (PRF) operation of a magnetron transmitter

Loop Dynamics of the Extracellular Domain of Human Tissue Factor and Activation of Factor VIIa

In the crystal structure of the complex between the soluble extracellular domain of tissue factor (sTF) and activesite- inhibited VIIa, residues 91 and 92 in the Pro79-Pro92 loop of sTF interact with the catalytic domain of VIIa. It is not known, however, whether this loop has a role in allosteric activation of VIIa. Time-resolved fluorescence anisotropy measurements of probes covalently bound to sTF mutants E84C and T121C show that binding uninhibited Factor VIIa affects segmental motions in sTF. Glu84 resides in the Pro79-Pro92 loop, and Thr121 resides in the turn between the first and second antiparallel b-strands of the sTF subdomain that interacts with the Gla and EGF1 domains of VIIa; neither Glu84 nor Thr121 makes direct contact with VIIa. Probes bound to T121C report limited segmental flexibility in free sTF, which is lost after VIIa binding. Probes bound to E84C report substantial segmental flexibility in the Pro79-Pro92 loop in free sTF, which is greatly reduced after VIIa binding. Thus, VIIa binding reduces dynamic motions in sTF. In particular, the decrease in the Pro79-Pro92 loop motions indicates that loop entropy has a role in the thermodynamics of the protein-protein interactions involved in allosteric control of VIIa activation