Locally Polynomially Bounded Structures

We prove a theorem which provides a method for constructing points on varieties defined by certain smooth functions. We require that the functions are definable in a definably complete expansion of a real closed field and are locally definable in a fixed o-minimal and polynomially bounded reduct. As an application we show that in certain o-minimal structures definable functions are piecewise implicitly defined over the basic functions in the language.Comment: Change of titl

Fuel subsidies versus market power : is there a countervailing second-best optimum?

Fuel subsidies distort end-use prices below cost, resulting in overconsumption and huge environmental cost. On the other hand, the mark-up over cost due to the exercise of market power results in the social loss of consumer surplus. We open a new line of inquiry into the potential for a market-based solution from these two countervailing forces: can the two offsetting distortions conceivably achieve a second- best optimum? Relying on dynamic panel techniques and gasoline market data for 68 developing countries, we uncover an excessive second-best subsidy offset to market power mark-up on the order of 4.5. Our results indicate that the potential for policy failure strongly exceeds the potential for market failure in our model, and gasoline prices across our sample may not be aligned with vigorous anti-climate change policy

Procedure for analysis of nickel-cadmium cell materials

Quality control procedures include analyses on electrolyte, active materials, and separators for nickel cadmium cell materials. Tests range from the visual/mechanical inspection of cells to gas sampling, electrolyte extract, electrochemical tests, and physical measurements

An evaluation of superminicomputers for thermal analysis

The feasibility and cost effectiveness of solving thermal analysis problems on superminicomputers is demonstrated. Conventional thermal analysis and the changing computer environment, computer hardware and software used, six thermal analysis test problems, performance of superminicomputers (CPU time, accuracy, turnaround, and cost) and comparison with large computers are considered. Although the CPU times for superminicomputers were 15 to 30 times greater than the fastest mainframe computer, the minimum cost to obtain the solutions on superminicomputers was from 11 percent to 59 percent of the cost of mainframe solutions. The turnaround (elapsed) time is highly dependent on the computer load, but for large problems, superminicomputers produced results in less elapsed time than a typically loaded mainframe computer

An evaluation of superminicomputers for thermal analysis

The use of superminicomputers for solving a series of increasingly complex thermal analysis problems is investigated. The approach involved (1) installation and verification of the SPAR thermal analyzer software on superminicomputers at Langley Research Center and Goddard Space Flight Center, (2) solution of six increasingly complex thermal problems on this equipment, and (3) comparison of solution (accuracy, CPU time, turnaround time, and cost) with solutions on large mainframe computers

The Effects of Early Intervention on the Expressive Language Outcomes of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent challenges in social communication as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors and is often observable in early childhood. Expressive language delays are common in young children diagnosed with ASD. Expressive language includes any form of communicative output, such as verbal language, sign language, and the use of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC). Early intervention, for the purpose of this systematic review, is defined as speech and language services provided before a child is 5 years (60 months) of age. Evidence suggests that early intervention can lead to positive outcomes in the symptoms of children with ASD. Objective: To determine whether early intervention of ASD in children between 0-59 months of age has positive effects on expressive language development. Methods: A systematic search of the PsychINFO, PubMED, CINAHL, ERIC, and LLBA database was conducted, followed by a qualitative analysis of relevant articles. Studies included monolingual (i.e., English) children who were diagnosed with ASD. Studies were systematically graded and processed using inter-rater procedures. Results: Fourteen articles were included based upon inclusionary criteria. The overall quality of the studies was moderate. The most widely used early intervention techniques included the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) and Pivotal Response Training (PRT). Conclusions: Consistent high-interval (i.e., 25 hours per week), behaviorally-based early intervention (i.e., before 40 months) may lead to positive outcomes in expressive language development. Clinicians working with young children with ASD should implement behaviorally-based, empirically-supported interventions, such as ESDM or PRT. Future research should prioritize high-quality study designs (e.g., randomized control trials) with larger sample sizes of children diagnosed with ASD, which is necessary to discern a direct relationship between behaviorally-based early intervention and expressive language outcomes for children with ASD.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/csdms/1008/thumbnail.jp

A warped kernel improving robustness in Bayesian optimization via random embeddings

This works extends the Random Embedding Bayesian Optimization approach by integrating a warping of the high dimensional subspace within the covariance kernel. The proposed warping, that relies on elementary geometric considerations, allows mitigating the drawbacks of the high extrinsic dimensionality while avoiding the algorithm to evaluate points giving redundant information. It also alleviates constraints on bound selection for the embedded domain, thus improving the robustness, as illustrated with a test case with 25 variables and intrinsic dimension 6

Modelling the alumina abundance of oxygen-rich evolved stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud

In order to determine the composition of the dust in the circumstellar envelopes of oxygen-rich asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars we have computed a grid of modust radiative-transfer models for a range of dust compositions, mass-loss rates, dust shell inner radii and stellar parameters. We compare the resulting colours with the observed oxygen-rich AGB stars from the SAGE-Spec Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) sample, finding good overall agreement for stars with a mid-infrared excess. We use these models to fit a sample of 37 O-rich AGB stars in the LMC with optically thin circumstellar envelopes, for which 5$-$35-$\mu$m Spitzer infrared spectrograph (IRS) spectra and broadband photometry from the optical to the mid-infrared are available. From the modelling, we find mass-loss rates in the range $\sim 8\times10^{-8}$ to $5\times10^{-6}$ M$_{\odot}\ \mathrm{yr}^{-1}$, and we show that a grain mixture consisting primarily of amorphous silicates, with contributions from amorphous alumina and metallic iron provides a good fit to the observed spectra. Furthermore, we show from dust models that the AKARI [11]$-$[15] versus [3.2]$-$[7] colour-colour diagram, is able to determine the fractional abundance of alumina in O-rich AGB stars.Comment: 22 pages, 17 figures, accepted MNRA