A multi-INT semantic reasoning framework for intelligence analysis support

Lockheed Martin Corp. has funded research to generate a framework and methodology for developing semantic reasoning applications to support the discipline oflntelligence Analysis. This chapter outlines that framework, discusses how it may be used to advance the information sharing and integrated analytic needs of the Intelligence Community, and suggests a system I software architecture for such applications

An evaluation of the use of electronic monitoring as a condition of bail in Scotland

The aims of the evaluation were to assess the implementation of EM bail in replacing custodial remands, and to conduct a cost analysis of EM bail in contrast to those given custody. The study included the collection of qualitative and quantitative data, matched comparison data and cost analysis. Interviews were conducted with 10 Steering Group members and 45 professionals (comprising the police, social work, procurators fiscal, clerks of court, judges, sheriffs, defence agents, advocates, the electronic monitoring companies and victims' agencies). Interviews with 16 bailees and 15 household members were also undertaken. Quantitative data were collected from various sources, namely: court pro formas, Reliance/Serco databases, court files, social work files, police records, Scottish Criminal Record Office and data provided by the Scottish Executive Justice Statistics Branch, the Scottish Court Service and the Scottish Prison Service. Data from 3 comparison sheriff courts also provided a range of information on accused remanded in custody or bailed with or without conditions in areas outwith the pilot sites to ascertain whether EM bail is being used as a direct alternative to custodial remand and to explore differences in final sentences for the 2 groups

Response Features Determining Spike Times

Interpreting messages encoded in single neuronal responses requires knowing which features of the responses carry information. That the number of spikes is an important part of the code has long been obvious. In recent years, it has been shown that modulation of the firing rate with about 25 ms precision carries information that is not available from the total number of spikes across the whole response. It has been proposed that patterns of exactly timed (1 ms precision) spikes, such as repeating triplets or quadruplets, might carry information that is not available from knowing about spike count and rate modulation. A model using the spike count distribution, the low pass filtered PSTH (bandwidth below 30 Hz), and, to a small degree, the interspike interval distribution predicts the numbers and types of exactly-timed triplets and quadruplets that are indistinguishable from those found in the data. From this it can be concluded that the coarse (<30 Hz) sequential correlation structure over time gives rise to the exactly timed patterns present in the recorded spike trains. Because the coarse temporal structure predicts the fine temporal structure, the information carried by the fine temporal structure must be completely redundant with that carried by the coarse structure. Thus, the existence of precisely timed spike patterns carrying stimulus-related information does not imply control of spike timing at precise time scales

Methods for quantifying the stable sintering region in laser sintered polyamide-12

Manufacturing complex parts by the laser sintering process requires a minimum amount of energy input for consolidation of polymer particles to occur; however too much energy can result in a decline in mechanical properties. This decrease is thought to be the result of polymer chain degradation. A stable sintering region (SSR) has been proposed to describe the optimum temperature range for successful laser sintering. This article will aim to quantify the SSR for polyamide-12 by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to provide a framework for identifying key laser sintering processing parameters. Weight loss with respect to temperature is the main measurement output of the TGA procedure. However, the precise temperature and thermal history of a material is difficult to quantify during the laser sintering process; instead an energy input approach has been developed. A degradation energy was calculated from the TGA data and was used in conjunction with a laser sintering formula called energy melt ratio to prescribe build parameters for laser sintered parts. The mechanical properties of these parts illustrated the effect of degradation at various levels of energy input. Implications for this work include optimizing the material selection process for polymer laser sintering materials beyond polyamide-12. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers

Optimum sintering region for laser sintered nylon-12

It is well known that the mechanical properties of laser sintered Nylon-12 improve with increased applied energy. However properties can reach a maximum after which, the application of additional energy can a lead to a decline in part properties. It is thought that the reason for this decline is that the additional energy causes polymer chain degradation or other changes in molecular structure. This paper aims to use thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to investigate the thermal degradation of nylon-12 and explain the deterioration of mechanical properties when high energy density conditions are applied during processing. The key findings are the application of modelling methods to predict the temperatures achieved during laser sintering of nylon- 12. It is shown that temperatures in the laser sintering machine can achieve levels above 3008C. At these temperatures, TGA data show that mass loss occurs and could cause mechanical property breakdown. This practical work coupled differential scanning calorimetry and TGA as a means of identifying thermal transitions in the material. The term ‘stable sintering region’ is proposed as a novel concept for the laser sintering community, and can have implications for better understanding of how process parameters can affect parts built in the machine. In addition, the concept could be used in the material selection process when screening potential new polymers for the process. One limitation of laser sintering, compared to other polymer processes such as injection moulding, is the limited understanding of the connection between machine parameters and part properties. This work aims to improve that understanding by discussing the pattern of thermal behaviour, including degradation, seen in polyamide exposed to high laser parameters

Paper Session II-C - Commercial Partnering at CCAS: A Proactive Approach to the Commercial Launch Market

The reality of increased access to space for the commercial launch industry is that existing sites must foster an environment which is capable of compromise, responsive to the customers needs, and allows the customer to maximize their launch capabilities. In recent years the space industry has seen a dramatic shift in the launch customer. Prior to 1995 the majority of space launches were funded through the government with some commercial customers, since then this trend has reversed and the primary launch customer has become the commercial launch programs. All indications and future projections demonstrate that this trend will continue and will most likely accelerate. This activity has made the commercial space launch industry a highly competitive multi-billion dollar industry. Much has been done, and written concerning launch vehicle design, production, and processing and the steps that have been taken to reduce the launch customers costs and increase their commercial market share. However, very little has been documented as to the process renovations which the launch sites are going to have to undergo due to competition between the various foreign and domestic launch sites which are just beginning to develop. With new spaceports springing up all across North America(e.g. California, Florida, Virginia and Alaska) and overseas( e.g. Russia, Canada, China, Ukraine) all of which are looking to capitalize on this new and growing market, the efficient processing of requirements, the use of new and evolving technologies, responsive customer interface and reduction of launch support costs have become pressing issues

What is the clinical workup for failure to thrive?

The clinical evaluation of failure to thrive (FTT) includes a thorough history and physical examination; observation of parent-child interactions; observation and documentation of the child's feeding patterns; and a home visit by an appropriately trained health care professional (Strength of Recommendation [SOR]: C). Further diagnostic testing should be performed as indicated by positive findings from the history and physical exam or if the child's weight has not improved at follow-up (SOR: C)

Blood, sex and trust: : The limits of the population-based risk management paradigm

Blood screening is imperfect so Donor Health Check questionnaires (DHC) are used to defer those whose ‘behaviour’ suggests disproportionate risk of Blood Borne Infection (BBI). Taking the UK case, we compare deferment of three sub-populations with different HIV prevalence; Men-who-have-Sex-with-Men (4.7%), black-Africans (3.7%) and ‘the-general-(heterosexual)-population’ (c.0.09%) arguing that, with respect to STIs, DHC assesses risk based on broad population-level risk-groups not behaviour. This approach relies on an imaginative geography that distances heterosexual risk from the domestic population. Most DHCs knowingly commit the ecological fallacy allowing population-level statistics to obscure within-group diversity, inadequately identifying the risk posed by ‘low-risk-groups’. The disjuncture between ontological risk phenomenon (diverse sexual practice) and the epistemological grid used to map risk (homogenised risk-groups) needs examination. Unpacking the category ‘heterosexual’ would both better differentiate risk within this group and change the relative-risk calculated for ‘high-risk groups’. We call for piloting of practice-based questions and a mixed-method approach to DHCs to more accurately assess all potential donors.PostprintPeer reviewe