Dualities and dual pairs in Heyting algebras

We extract the abstract core of finite homomorphism dualities using the techniques of Heyting algebras and (combinatorial) categories.Comment: 17 pages; v2: minor correction

Effects of a Novel Dental Gel on Plaque and Gingivitis: A Comparative Study.

ObjectivesThe goal of this prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded study was to evaluate the effects of a novel dental gel on plaque and gingival health. The dental gel was designed to (1) break up and prevent re-accumulation of microbial biofilm, and (2) inhibit metal mediated inflammation.Materials and methodsTwenty-five subjects with moderate gingival inflammation (Löe and Silness Gingival Index ≥2) and pocket depths <4 were randomly assigned to brush twice daily for 21 days with the test or the control dental gel. On Days 0, 7, 14 and 21, plaque levels (Quigley-Hein, Turesky Modification Plaque Index), gingival inflammation (Löe and Silness Gingival Index) and gingival bleeding (modified Sulcus Bleeding Index) were determined by one blinded, investigator using a pressure sensitive probe.ResultsAfter 3 weeks, all 3 clinical indices were significantly improved in both groups (P<0.05) and significantly lower in the test group (P<0.05).ConclusionThe novel dental gel formulation was provided effective plaque control and reduced gingival inflammation.Clinical relevanceA novel dentifrice formulation may be an effective tool for plaque removal and maintaining gingival health

Form-Aware, Real-Time Adaptive Music Generation for Interactive Experiences

Many experiences offered to the public through interactive theatre, theme parks, video games, and virtual environments use music to complement the participants’ activity. There is a range of approaches to this, from straightforward playback of ‘stings’, to looped phrases, to on-the-fly note generation. Within the latter, traditional genres and forms are often not represented, with the music instead being typically loose in form and structure. We present work in progress on a new method for realtime music generation that can preserve traditional musical genres whilst being reactive in form to the activities of participants. The results of simulating participant trajectories and the effect this has on the music generation algorithms are presented, showing that the approach can successfully handle variable length forms whilst remaining substantially within the given musical style

On the use of semi-distributed and fully-distributed urban stormwater models

Urban stormwater models comprise four main components: rainfall, rainfall-runoff, overland flow and sewer flow modules. They can be considered semi-distributed (SD) or fully distributed (FD) according to the rainfall-runoff module definition. SD models are based on sub-catchments units through which rainfall is applied to the model and at which runoff volumes are estimated. In FD models, the runoff volumes are estimated and applied directly on every element of a twodimensional (2D) model of the surface. This poster presents a comparison of SD and FD models based on two case studies: Zona Central catchment at Coimbra, Portugal, and Cranbrook catchment at London, UK. SD and FD modelling results are compared against water depth and flow records in sewers, and photographic records of a flood event. In general, FD models are theoretically more realistic and physically-based, but the results of this study suggest that the implementation of these models requires higher resolution (more detailed) elevation, land use and sewer network data than is normally used in the implementation of SD models. Failing to use higher resolution data for the implementation of FD models could result in poor-performing models. In cases when high resolution data are not available, the use of SD models could be a better choice

Experiences of aiding autobiographical memory using the sensecam

Human memory is a dynamic system that makes accessible certain memories of events based on a hierarchy of information, arguably driven by personal significance. Not all events are remembered, but those that are tend to be more psychologically relevant. In contrast, lifelogging is the process of automatically recording aspects of one's life in digital form without loss of information. In this article we share our experiences in designing computer-based solutions to assist people review their visual lifelogs and address this contrast. The technical basis for our work is automatically segmenting visual lifelogs into events, allowing event similarity and event importance to be computed, ideas that are motivated by cognitive science considerations of how human memory works and can be assisted. Our work has been based on visual lifelogs gathered by dozens of people, some of them with collections spanning multiple years. In this review article we summarize a series of studies that have led to the development of a browser that is based on human memory systems and discuss the inherent tension in storing large amounts of data but making the most relevant material the most accessible

Chemical composition and mutagenic assessment of petrochemical effluents on onion (Allium cepa) root tip mitosis

The continous production and release of chemicals into the environment have led to the need to assess their chemical composition and genotoxic effects on cell reproduction. Two petrochemicals, air liquid and polyester resin effluents were assessed. The common onion of the purple variety was used as the test organism. The results of the chemical analysis of the wastewaters showed high concentration of some potentially mutagenic heavy metals. The effects of the wastewaters and their dilutions on root tip mitosis were mitodepressive. The mitotic index (MI%) were 14.0, 5.3 and 4.1 in control, air liquid and polyester resin effluents, respectively. The MI (%) values estimated across concentrations ranged from 15.1 in control to 5.5 in undiluted effluent. Percent abnormal dividing cells increased with increase in wastewater concentration. Abnormal dividing cells observed ranged from C-mitotic effects to precocious chromosomes and anaphase bridges. These findings indicate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of these wastewaters on Allium cepa chromosomes. Positive results on Allium chromosomes could serve as indicator of the deleterious effects of these wastewaters on other organisms at the point of discharge – either on land or water bodies. The need for sound sewerage system that would protect flora and fauna in the ecosystem is advocated.Key words: Chromosome, ecosystem, heavy metal, mitosis, mutation

Overview of the incidence, early identification and management of sepsis

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition that is triggered by an infection. Sepsis is an urgent public health issue globally, and is one of the leading causes of death in emergency departments and hospitals. However, consensus definitions of sepsis are imprecise and the incidence and costs of the condition are thought to be underestimated. This article discusses the incidence of sepsis globally and nationally, and the effects of the condition. It emphasises the early identification and effective management of sepsis, which remain crucial to improving patient outcomes such as morbidity and mortality. It also outlines the nurse’s role in providing sepsis care