On algebraic fusions of association schemes

We give a complete description of the irreducible representations of algebraic fusions of association schemes, in terms of the irreducible representations of a Schur cover of the corresponding group of algebraic automorphisms.Comment: This paper has been withdrawn by one of the authors, since it requires more wor

"Curved-Layer" Laminated Object Manufacturing

A process where a freeform solid object is built by bonding cut layers of material together is called a Laminated Object Manufacturing process. Until today, all ofthe LOM processes utilized straight forward planar cross-sections of the intended object for manufacturing. The "CurvedLayer" project's objective is to perform the LOM manufacturing process on a non-planar crosssection. Thus, the layers are going to be bonded together as non-planar surfaces providing additional strength to the built part as well as expedition ofthe built time for many objects. This project entails both software and hardware development for the implementation of the manufacturing process.Mechanical Engineerin

Estimation of Site Effects in the Israel Seacoast Area by Ambient Noise Records for Microzonation

Owing to the proximity to seismically active faults as well as the population density in the band of Israel Seacoast between the towns of Ashqelon and Haifa, this region may be considered a high seismic risk zone. For quantitative assessment of seismic response in terms of horizontal-to-vertical (H/V) spectral ratios the ambient noise survey was carried out at 190 sites. Results derived from H/V analysis indicate site amplifications ranging from 1 to 8 within the frequency band 1.0-6.0 Hz. The soil profiles at the investigated sites were very different. Some sites have simple profiles in the uppermost surface layer and clear seismic impedance between the soft soil layer and the bedrock. Other sites had complicated surface soil layers and a less distinct contrast between the surface soil and underlying bedrock. In many cases our attempts to estimate depth to the hardrock reflector from borehole data failed. Only when the distribution maps of the predominant frequency and the distribution of maximum amplification were constructed was the strong correlation between geological features and measurement results revealed. The observed resonance frequencies and their amplifications were correlated with analytical functions that correspond to the 1-D subsurface model. Collection of available geological, geotechnical and geophysical data relevant to local geology and combination of the theoretical and experimental response functions provided reliable estimations of analytical site effects

Bridging Time and Power: How changes in social power influence individuals’ prosocial behavior at work

Social power is dynamic in nature and individuals experience changes in their power throughout their careers (e.g., due to promotions or other changes in control over valuable resources). Yet, how does gaining or losing power affects people’s behavior? For example, people who experience high power are less likely to help others. Will these effects change based on whether current experience of power was preceded by an experience of low versus high power? In this dissertation, I try to answer this question. I theorize and show using three experimental studies, and one field study, that past power generates emotional and cognitive reactions which in turn impact individuals’ current prosocial behavior, in ways that depart from behaviors observed when a traditional static view of power is taken into account. My work thus challenges fundamental assumptions about how the experience of power shapes behavior and highlights how taking the dynamics of power into account changes our understanding of its effects on cognitions, emotions, and behaviors.Doctor of Philosoph

Varicella-Zoster DNA in Saliva of Patients with Meningoencephalitis - A Preliminary Study

No abstract availabl

Sudden synchrony leaps accompanied by frequency multiplications in neuronal activity

A classical view of neural coding relies on temporal firing synchrony among functional groups of neurons; however the underlying mechanism remains an enigma. Here we experimentally demonstrate a mechanism where time-lags among neuronal spiking leap from several tens of milliseconds to nearly zero-lag synchrony. It also allows sudden leaps out of synchrony, hence forming short epochs of synchrony. Our results are based on an experimental procedure where conditioned stimulations were enforced on circuits of neurons embedded within a large-scale network of cortical cells in vitro and are corroborated by simulations of neuronal populations. The underlying biological mechanisms are the unavoidable increase of the neuronal response latency to ongoing stimulations and temporal or spatial summation required to generate evoked spikes. These sudden leaps in and out of synchrony may be accompanied by multiplications of the neuronal firing frequency, hence offering reliable information-bearing indicators which may bridge between the two principal neuronal coding paradigms.Comment: 23 pages, 3 figure