Explicit formula for the generating series of diagonal 3D rook paths

Let $a_n$ denote the number of ways in which a chess rook can move from a corner cell to the opposite corner cell of an $n \times n \times n$ three-dimensional chessboard, assuming that the piece moves closer to the goal cell at each step. We describe the computer-driven \emph{discovery and proof} of the fact that the generating series $G(x)= \sum_{n \geq 0} a_n x^n$ admits the following explicit expression in terms of a Gaussian hypergeometric function: G(x) = 1 + 6 \cdot \int_0^x \frac{\,\pFq21{1/3}{2/3}{2} {\frac{27 w(2-3w)}{(1-4w)^3}}}{(1-4w)(1-64w)} \, dw.Comment: To appear in "S\'eminaire Lotharingien de Combinatoire

Rethinking the Biennial

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A novel description of ISFET sensitivity with the buffer capacity and double-layer capacitance as key parameters

The pH sensitivity of ISFETs arises from interactions of protons with ISFET gate surface sites. This sensitivity is described by a new simpler model with the intrinsic buffer capacity and the differential capacitance as key parameters. The obtained expression is independent of the models used for the chemical surface equilibria and the charge profile in the solution. The general expression for the sensitivity is elaborated using the site-binding theory and the Gouy-Chapman-Stern theory. The relatively high sensitivity of Ta2O5 ISFETs is explained using this elaborated theory. It is shown that the electrolyte concentration has almost no influence on the sensitivity of Ta2O5 ISFETs

Ik zie, ik zie, wat jij niet ziet. Het gebruik van paragnosten door de Nederlandse politie.

Abstract In many police investigations a psychic turns up to help the investigation with his extraordinary knowledge of the crime and the crime scene. Little is known about how the Dutch police deals with psychics and their information. We conducted research into this phenomenon via interviews with experts, a review of the legal literature and an online questionnaire for police practitioners. Although a guideline by the public prosecutor’s office state psychics are not to be consulted without permission, most police practitioners are not aware of this guideline. At the moment little is known about the actual use of information of psychics in police investigations

PATHWAYS FOR SUSTAINABLE HOUSING TRANSFORMATIONS: AN INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON OF RETROFITTING STRATEGIES FOR (SOCIAL) HOUSING

The importance to address Europe’s large stock of aging, deteriorating and highly energy inefficient housing stock in order to reach goals for climate change and sustainable development is today widely accepted. This recently initiated research project will review cases of sustainable housing transformations in existing post-war housing stocks in Europe and other developed countries (i.e. USA, Canada, etc.) in which both environmental and social issues are addressed with an emphasis on affordable living. The focus is on process issues and on prime movers among housing associations and their role as construction clients in driving self-sustaining innovation processes to reach more sustainable housing transformations: how they support and drive innovation, learning and implementation in relation to this issue, and if their strategies are replicable for a larger selection of housing owners in an international perspective. This paper presents preliminary findings based on two case studies of prime movers among housing associations, one in the Netherlands and one in Sweden, that have carried out sustainable housing transformations. Based on literature on environmental innovation in construction and on a model to change individual behaviour in planning interventions by Green and Kreuter (1999) we have developed a framework for analysis of housing associations’ behaviour. This tentative framework singles out: predisposing, enabling, reinforcing, responsive and inhibiting factors as well as factors that will support the transferability and replicability of results. The findings will be used for the further development of the framework to be used in the continuation of the project where more cases in Europe and internationally will be studied and analysed

Legal and illegal drug use among female sex workers in bar and club prostitution in Belgium: a quantitative and qualitative study

Aims: This study describes the amounts and effects of drug use in bar and club sex work, and the use of healthcare for the drug-related needs of sex workers (SW). Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Belgium. In a quantitative component, 120 bar and club SW were interviewed face-to-face by means of a semi-structured questionnaire. In a qualitative component, 25 SW were interviewed face-to-face and 5 focus group discussions with key actors professionally involved with the study's subject were conducted. Findings: Many bar and club SW drink frequently alcohol and engage in heavy drinking. Illegal drugs such as cannabis, cocaine and benzodiazepines are also frequently used. The drug use often involves poly or combined drug use. More than one-third experienced a certain degree of dependence on a product and many experienced effects from drug use on their sex work. The study shows that SW have difficulties accessing drug-related healthcare. Conclusions: SW use often legal and illegal drugs. The prevalence and influence of drug use among bar and club SW illustrates the need for drug and sex work related healthcare. Distribution of more information about the risks of drug use, the possible negative effects, and the available drug-related healthcare is needed

Review of the spatial and temporal distribution by life stage for 19 North Sea fish species

Considering the increase in human activity in the North Sea, particularly cargo shipping and the rapidly expanding construction and operation of oil platforms and wind farms, as well as the continued use of the area for military purposes, fisheries and sand extraction, there is a growing concern about the potentially harmful impacts of such anthropogenic activities on marine life. Particular concerns have been raised about the effect of loud impulse sounds and high noise levels, which may affect marine animal life in different ways: habitat use, such as feeding and migration, and reproduction patterns may be disturbed. In the extreme case animals may suffer from sub-lethal or lethal physical damage such as hearing loss and disrupted swim ladders. Knowledge of the spatial distribution and seasonal patterns in the presence of different life stages of marine species is therefore critical for assessing to what extent the dispersion of marine life overlaps with the distribution of human activities and for estimating how potentially harmful impacts can be mitigated both spatially and temporally. The aim of this desk study is consequently to provide a concise overview of existing information on seasonal patterns in the dispersion of fish species in the North Sea, in particular by highlighting the knowledge gaps

Beoordeling criteria GMT-1 "biologische diversiteit"

In het kader van de Kaderrichtlijn Mariene Strategie (KRM) streeft Nederland (in internationale Noordzee-context) naar een “Goede Milieu Toestand” (GMT, of GES Good Environmental Status) van het mariene milieu. Een element van deze GMT is “biologische diversiteit”. De invulling van dit element is onlangs geformuleerd door een taskgroep onder regie van het Joint Research Centre (JRC) van de Europese Commissie en het International Council for Exploration of the Sea (ICES). Binnen het project ‘Aanvullende beschermde gebieden op de Noordzee’ heeft IMARES een interne workshop georganiseerd, welke tot doel had een oordeel te vormen over de bruikbaarheid en toepasbaarheid van resultaten van de JRC/ICES task-groep ten aanzien van het GMT element 1 “biologische diversiteit”, ten behoeve van het aanwijzen van aanvullend te beschermen gebieden in de Nederlandse Exclusieve Economische Zone (EEZ)