The output distribution of important LULU-operators

Two procedures to compute the output distribution phi_S of certain stack filters S (so called erosion-dilation cascades) are given. One rests on the disjunctive normal form of S and also yields the rank selection probabilities. The other is based on inclusion-exclusion and e.g. yields phi_S for some important LULU-operators S. Properties of phi_S can be used to characterize smoothing properties of S. One of the methods discussed also allows for the calculation of the reliability polynomial of any positive Boolean function (e.g. one derived from a connected graph).Comment: 20 pages, up to trivial differences this is the final version to be published in Quaestiones Mathematicae 201

The time dimension of neural network models

This review attempts to provide an insightful perspective on the role of time within neural network models and the use of neural networks for problems involving time. The most commonly used neural network models are defined and explained giving mention to important technical issues but avoiding great detail. The relationship between recurrent and feedforward networks is emphasised, along with the distinctions in their practical and theoretical abilities. Some practical examples are discussed to illustrate the major issues concerning the application of neural networks to data with various types of temporal structure, and finally some highlights of current research on the more difficult types of problems are presented

Progress report on the study of seepage losses from irrigation channels, 1951

CER47-52AAR41.Prepared under the direction of George D. Clyde, chief, Division of Irrigation Engineering and Water Conservation, M. L. Nichols, chief of research, Soil Conservation Service.April 25, 1952.A contribution from the Division of Irrigation Engineering and Water Conservation in cooperation with the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

A Principled Approach to the Quest for Racial Diversity on the Judiciary

Part I of this Article considers the different voices and perspectives added to the judiciary by the appointment of minorities. Part II analyzes the many impacts of diversity on the bench, including greater judicial impartiality. Part III sets forth the arguments supporting a diverse jury pool and discusses how they inform the analysis of the quest for racial diversity among judges. Part IV outlines a principled approach to the pursuit of judicial diversity

A Principled Approach to the Quest for Racial Diversity on the Judiciary

As has been the case with respect to many political and social institutions in American society, diversity has been demanded, and at times pursued, in the nomination and appointment of state and federal judges. Nonetheless, commentators have long lamented the lack of diversity among judges in the United States. U.S. Supreme Court appointments epitomize the glaring lack of diversity on the federal judiciary. Not until 1967 did President Lyndon Baines Johnson appoint the first African American Justice, Thurgood Marshall, to the Court. Since then, a more diverse group of judges has served on the state and federal courts than throughout much of U.S. history. Work remains to be done, however. No Latina/os, Asian Americans, or Native American have ever served on the U.S. Supreme Court. Relatively few African Americans, Latina/os, and Asian Americans, and no Native Americans serve on the federal bench today. Scholars rarely analyze what concrete impact diversifying the judiciary may have on the operation of the courts, including judicial decision-making and the public\u27s perception of the justice system. Even if advocating greater diversity among judges, few observers have been particularly clear about the concrete benefits to be gained by appointing and nominating a more diverse cadre of judges. This article, which is part of a symposium on judicial selection, explores the substantive impacts that increased racial diversity of judges might have on the decision-making process as well as in how the general public views the courts, as fair and impartial tribunals or not. This article brings to bear fundamental tenets of Critical Race Theory - specifically, the concept of a voice of color - on the analysis of the possible impacts of greater racial diversity on the courts. It further analogizes the judges to juries and contends that, as diversity among juries does, pulling a group of judges from a cross section of the community may both benefit the decision-making process and improve public perceptions of the impartiality of judicial decision-making. Importantly, a more diverse judiciary is more likely to be an independent judiciary. To the extent that judges are racial minorities, they can be expected to be more independent than other judges

Measuring seepage from irrigation channels

CER59-47.Literature cited: pages 81-82.6 folded charts in pocket

Degradation investigation in a postbuckling composite stiffened fuselage panel

COCOMAT is a four-year project under the European Commission 6th Framework Programme that aims to exploit the large strength reserves of composite structures through a more accurate prediction of collapse. Accordingly, one of the COCOMAT work packages involves the design of test panels with a focus on investigating the progression of composite damage mechanisms. This paper presents the collaborative results of some of the partners for this task. Different design alternatives were investigated for fuselage-representative test panels. Non-linear structural analyses were performed using MSC.Nastran and ABAQUS/Standard. Numerical predictions were also made applying a stress-based adhesive degradation model, previously implemented into a material user subroutine for ABAQUS/Standard. Following this, a fracture mechanics analysis using MSC.Nastran was performed along all interfaces between the skin and stiffeners, to examine the stiffener disbonding behaviour of each design. On the basis of the structural and fracture mechanics analyses, a design was selected as being the most suitable for the experimental investigation within COCOMAT. Though the COCOMAT panels have yet to be manufactured and tested, experimental data on the structural performance and damage mechanisms were available from a separate project for a panel identical to the selected design. This data was compared to the structural, degradation and fracture mechanics predictions made using non-linear finite element solutions, and the application of the design within the COCOMAT project was discussed

CAN PREDATOR TRAPPING IMPROVE WATERFOWL RECRUITMENT IN THE PRAIRIE POTHOLE REGION?

We contrasted nest success for control areas and experimental areas in eastern North Dakota where we employed professionals to trap mammalian nest predators from late March to late July. In 1995, dabbling ducks averaged 53% nest success on four treatment blocks of 4,150 ha each; whereas on four control areas upland nesting ducks averaged 24% success. Diving duck nest success averaged 57% on experimental areas and 29% on control areas. American coot (Fulica americana) nest success also improved on experimental areas, but blackbird nesting and fledging success were not affected by the treatment. In 1994, nest success of upland cresting ducks was 52%, which was a striking contrast with upland nest success of 6% on the control area. In 1994 and 1995, brood counts were much higher on the experimental areas than on the control areas. Track counts revealed lower estimates of predator activity on experimental sites compared to control sites. This study provides the first strong experimental documentation that trapping, without the use of poisons, can effectively reduce nest predation and substantially improve waterfowl recruitment

Calculating the output distribution of stack filters that are erosion-dilation cascades, in particular LULU-filters

Original article available at http://arxiv.org/ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Two procedures to compute the output distribution 0S of certain stack filters S (so called erosion-dilation cascades) are given. One rests on the disjunctive normal form of S and also yields the rank selection probabilities. The other is based on inclusion-exclusion and e.g. yields 0S for some important LULU-operators S. Properties of 0S can be used to characterize smoothing properties.Preprin

Eine einfache Methode zur Ermittlung aller Querspannungen in Faserverbundplatten als Voraussetzung einer verbesserten Versagensanalyse

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