5,437 research outputs found
Open Transactions on Shared Memory
Transactional memory has arisen as a good way for solving many of the issues
of lock-based programming. However, most implementations admit isolated
transactions only, which are not adequate when we have to coordinate
communicating processes. To this end, in this paper we present OCTM, an
Haskell-like language with open transactions over shared transactional memory:
processes can join transactions at runtime just by accessing to shared
variables. Thus a transaction can co-operate with the environment through
shared variables, but if it is rolled-back, also all its effects on the
environment are retracted. For proving the expressive power of TCCS we give an
implementation of TCCS, a CCS-like calculus with open transactions
How to Measure the Effectiveness of Teachers: Validation of an Instrument based on the Creative Action Methodology
Creative Action methodology brings together nature (how our brains function) and nurture (the way we educate). When using Creative Action methodology as a didactical method in vocational and primary education, students become more motivated to learn, perform better, and show less oppositional behavior. In this way, the Creative Action methodology adds to the effectiveness of teachers. In this paper, we describe the development of an instrument to measure teachers’ effectiveness. In this article, the research conducted to validate the measurement instrument will be described. Results suggest that the instrument has internal and predictive validity
Rho-Nucleon Tensor Coupling and Charge-Exchange Resonances
The Gamow-Teller resonances are discussed in the context of a self-consistent
RPA, based on the relativistic mean field theory. We inquire on the possibility
of substituting the phenomenological Landau-Migdal force by a microscopic
nucleon-nucleon interaction generated from the rho-nucleon tensor coupling. The
effect of this coupling turns out to be very small when the short range
correlations are not taken into account, but too large when these correlations
are simulated by the simple extraction of the contact terms from the resulting
nucleon-nucleon interaction.Comment: 15 pages, LaTeX, 2 figures; extended text, improved figures, new
references added, the version appearing in Phys.Lett.
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The Pandora multi-algorithm approach to automated pattern recognition in LAr TPC detectors
The development and operation of Liquid Argon Time Projection Chambers (LAr TPCs) for neutrino physics has created a need for new approaches to pattern recognition, in order to fully exploit the superb imaging capabilities offered by this technology. The Pandora Software Development Kit provides functionality to aid the process of designing, implementing and running pattern recognition algorithms. It promotes the use of a multi-algorithm approach to pattern recognition: individual algorithms each address a specific task in a particular topology; a series of many tens of algorithms then carefully builds-up a picture of the event. The input to the Pandora pattern recognition is a list of 2D Hits. The output from the chain of over 70 algorithms is a hierarchy of reconstructed 3D Particles, each with an identified particle type, vertex and direction
The validity and reliability of the exposure index as a metric for estimating the radiation dose to the patient
Introduction
With the introduction of digital radiography, the feedback between image quality and over-exposure has been partly lost which in some cases has led to a steady increase in dose. Over the years the introduction of exposure index (EI) has been used to resolve this phenomenon referred to as ‘dose creep’. Even though EI is often vendor specific it is always a related of the radiation exposure to the detector. Due to the nature of this relationship EI can also be used as a patient dose indicator, however this is not widely investigated in literature.
Methods
A total of 420 dose-area-product (DAP) and EI measurements were taken whilst varying kVp, mAs and body habitus on two different anthropomorphic phantoms (pelvis and chest). Using linear regression, the correlation between EI and DAP were examined. Additionally, two separate region of interest (ROI) placements/per phantom where examined in order to research any effect on EI.
Results
When dividing the data into subsets, a strong correlation between EI and DAP was shown with all R-squared values > 0.987. Comparison between the ROI placements showed a significant difference between EIs for both placements.
Conclusion
This research shows a clear relationship between EI and radiation dose which is dependent on a wide variety of factors such as ROI placement, body habitus. In addition, pathology and manufacturer specific EI’s are likely to be of influence as well.
Implications for practice
The combination of DAP and EI might be used as a patient dose indicator. However, the influencing factors as mentioned in the conclusion should be considered and examined before implementation
Dynamic Neuromuscular Control of the Lower Limbs in Response to Unexpected Single-Planar versus Multi-Planar Support Perturbations in Young, Active Adults.
PURPOSE: An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury involves a multi-planar injury mechanism. Nevertheless, unexpected multi-planar perturbations have not been used to screen athletes in the context of ACL injury prevention yet could reveal those more at risk. The objective of this study was to compare neuromuscular responses to multi-planar (MPP) and single-planar perturbations (SPP) during a stepping-down task. These results might serve as a basis for future implementation of external perturbations in ACL injury screening programs. METHODS: Thirteen young adults performed a single leg stepping-down task in eight conditions (four MPP and four SPP with a specified amplitude and velocity). The amplitudes of vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), hamstrings lateralis (HL), hamstrings medialis (HM) EMG activity, medio-lateral and anterior-posterior centre of mass (COM) displacements, the peak knee flexion and abduction angles were compared between conditions using an one-way ANOVA. Number of stepping responses were monitored during all conditions. RESULTS: Significantly greater muscle activity levels were found in response to the more challenging MPP and SPP compared to the less challenging conditions (p < 0.05). No differences in neuromuscular activity were found between the MPP conditions and their equivalents in the SPP. Eighteen stepping responses were monitored in the SPP versus nine in the MPP indicating that the overall neuromuscular control was even more challenged during the SPP which was supported by greater COM displacements in the SPP. CONCLUSION: The more intense MPP and SPP evoked different neuromuscular responses resulting in greater muscle activity levels compared to small perturbations. Based on the results of COM displacements and based on the amount of stepping responses, dynamic neuromuscular control of the knee joint appeared less challenged during the MPP. Therefore, future work should investigate extensively if other neuromuscular differences (i.e. co-activation patterns and kinetics) exist between MPP and SPP. In addition, future work should examine the influence on the neuromuscular control of the magnitude of the perturbations and the magnitude of stepping height and stepping distance
Renewable Energy as an Underutilised Resource in Cities: Germany’s ‘Energiewende’ and Lessons for Post-Brexit Cities in the United Kingdom
Renewable energy remains an underutilised resource within urban environments.
This study examines the ongoing German Energiewende (energy transition) as an example of
renewable energy being treated as a necessary resource for urban development. It departs from
existing literature by operationalising the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF), taking a policy
systems approach to analyse (and explain) the cases of three German cities—Munich, Berlin, and
Freiburg. This approach helps draw lessons for future UK energy scenarios by placing more abstract
conceptions of Sustainable Energy Transitions (SETs) within the context of UK cities, post-Brexit.
By discussing five main themes: the shift from government to governance; the need to break
‘carbon lock-in’; renewable energy innovation as an underutilised resource; developing governance
strategies for renewable energy resources; the shift from policy to practice, the study yields a
detailed reconceptualisation of approaches to renewable energy resource-use policy. The novelty
of this study lies in its response to these challenges, taking a policy systems approach to energy
governance. The article concludes with a proposed integrated framework. The framework, which
is based on multi-scalar and multi-stakeholder integrated energy governance strategy, reconsiders
the way in which renewable energy resources are seen in current governance terms in the UK.
The framework presents a new approach to renewable energy resource-use policy that embraces
innovation, responsible governance, and inclusive processes, (alongside thinking beyond simply
technical solutions) to considering the socio-economic impacts of policy decisions in cities
Bulk properties of light deformed nuclei derived from a medium-modified meson-exchange interaction
Deformed Hartree-Fock-Bogoliubov calculations for finite nuclei are carried
out. As residual interaction, a Brueckner G-matrix derived from a
meson-exchange potential is taken. Phenomenological medium modifications of the
meson masses are introduced. The binding energies, radii, and deformation
parameters of the Carbon, Oxygen, Neon, and Magnesium isotope chains are found
to be in good agreement with the experimental data.Comment: 10 pages, LaTeX2e, elsart, 4 eps-figures includes with graphic
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