A graded BDI agent model to represent and reason about preferences

In this research note, we introduce a graded BDI agent development framework, g-BDI for short, that allows to build agents as multi-context systems that reason about three fundamental and graded mental attitudes (i.e. beliefs, desires and intentions). We propose a sound and complete logical framework for them and some logical extensions to accommodate slightly different views on desires. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

On Quillen's calculation of graded K-theory

We adapt Quillen’s calculation of graded K-groups of Z-graded rings with support in N to graded K-theory, allowing gradings in a product Z×G with G an arbitrary group. This in turn allows us to use induction and calculate graded K-theory of Z -multigraded rings.

Computation of stress intensity factors in functionally graded materials using partition-of-unity meshfee method

This paper describes the computation of stress intensity factors (SIFs) for cracks in functionally graded materials (FGMs) using an extended element-free Galerkin (XEFG) method. The SIFs are extracted through the crack closure integral (CCI) with a local smoothing technique, non-equilibrium and incompatibility formulations of the interaction integral and the displacement method. The results for mode I and mixed mode case studies are presented and compared with those available in the literature. They are found to be in good agreement where the average absolute error for the CCI with local smoothing, despite its simplicity, yielded a high level of accuracy.

Graded/Gradient Porous Biomaterials

Biomaterials include bioceramics, biometals, biopolymers and biocomposites and they play important roles in the replacement and regeneration of human tissues. However, dense bioceramics and dense biometals pose the problem of stress shielding due to their high Young's moduli compared to those of bones. On the other hand, porous biomaterials exhibit the potential of bone ingrowth, which will depend on porous parameters such as pore size, pore interconnectivity, and porosity. Unfortunately, a highly porous biomaterial results in poor mechanical properties. To optimise the mechanical and the biological properties, porous biomaterials with graded/gradient porosity, pores size, and/or composition have been developed. Graded/gradient porous biomaterials have many advantages over graded/gradient dense biomaterials and uniform or homogenous porous biomaterials. The internal pore surfaces of graded/gradient porous biomaterials can be modified with organic, inorganic, or biological coatings and the internal pores themselves can also be filled with biocompatible and biodegradable materials or living cells. However, graded/gradient porous biomaterials are generally more difficult to fabricate than uniform or homogenous porous biomaterials. With the development of cost-effective processing techniques, graded/gradient porous biomaterials can find wide applications in bone defect filling, implant fixation, bone replacement, drug delivery, and tissue engineering.

Cyclic nanoindentation and nano-impact fatigue characterisation of functionally graded TiN/TiNi shape memory film

This paper investigates the mechanism of nanoscale fatigue of functionally graded TiN/TiNi films using nano-impact and multiple-loading-cycle nanoindentation tests. The functionally graded films were deposited on silicon substrate, in which TiNi films maintain shape memory and pseudo elastic behavior, while a modified TiN surface layer provides tribological and anti-corrosion properties. Nanomechanical tests were performed to comprehend the localized film performance and failure modes of the functionally graded film using NanoTestTM equipped with Berkovich and conical indenter between 100 μN to 500 mN loads. The loading mechanism and load history are critical to define film failure modes (i.e. backward depth deviation) including the shape memory effect of the functionally graded layer. The results are sensitive to the applied load, loading type (e.g. semi-static, dynamic) and probe geometry. Based on indentation force-depth profiles, depth-time data and post-test surface observations of films, it is concluded that the shape of the nanoindenter is critical in inducing the localized indentation stress and film failure, including shape recovery at the lower load range. Elastic-plastic finite element (FE) simulation during nanoindentation loading indicated that the location of subsurface maximum stress near the interface influences the backward depth deviation type of film failure. A standalone, molecular dynamics simulation was performed with the help of a long range potential energy function to simulate the tensile test of TiN nanowire with two different aspect ratios to investigate the theory of its failure mechanism.

Temperature controlled motion of an antiferromagnet- ferromagnet interface within a dopant-graded FeRh epilayer

Chemically ordered B2 FeRh exhibits a remarkable antiferromagnetic-ferromagnetic phase transition that is first order. It thus shows phase coexistence, usually by proceeding though nucleation at random defect sites followed by propagation of phase boundary domain walls. The transition occurs at a temperature that can be varied by doping other metals onto the Rh site. We have taken advantage of this to yield control over the transition process by preparing an epilayer with oppositely directed doping gradients of Pd and Ir throughout its height, yielding a gradual transition that occurs between 350 K and 500 K. As the sample is heated, a horizontal antiferromagnetic-ferromagnetic phase boundary domain wall moves gradually up through the layer, its position controlled by the temperature. This mobile magnetic domain wall affects the magnetisation and resistivity of the layer in a way that can be controlled, and hence exploited, for novel device applications.

A mathematical model to describe fat oxidation kinetics during graded exercise.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a mathematical model (sine model, SIN) to describe fat oxidation kinetics as a function of the relative exercise intensity [% of maximal oxygen uptake (%VO2max)] during graded exercise and to determine the exercise intensity (Fatmax) that elicits maximal fat oxidation (MFO) and the intensity at which the fat oxidation becomes negligible (Fatmin). This model included three independent variables (dilatation, symmetry, and translation) that incorporated primary expected modulations of the curve because of training level or body composition. METHODS: Thirty-two healthy volunteers (17 women and 15 men) performed a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer, with 3-min stages and 20-W increments. Substrate oxidation rates were determined using indirect calorimetry. SIN was compared with measured values (MV) and with other methods currently used [i.e., the RER method (MRER) and third polynomial curves (P3)]. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the fitting accuracy between SIN and P3 (P = 0.157), whereas MRER was less precise than SIN (P < 0.001). Fatmax (44 +/- 10% VO2max) and MFO (0.37 +/- 0.16 g x min(-1)) determined using SIN were significantly correlated with MV, P3, and MRER (P < 0.001). The variable of dilatation was correlated with Fatmax, Fatmin, and MFO (r = 0.79, r = 0.67, and r = 0.60, respectively, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The SIN model presents the same precision as other methods currently used in the determination of Fatmax and MFO but in addition allows calculation of Fatmin. Moreover, the three independent variables are directly related to the main expected modulations of the fat oxidation curve. SIN, therefore, seems to be an appropriate tool in analyzing fat oxidation kinetics obtained during graded exercise.

Graded literature readers

UANL

Fluorescence characterization and gain studies on a dye-doped graded index polymer optical-fiber preform

Preparation of an appropriate optical-fiber preform is vital for the fabrication of graded-index polymer optical fibers (GIPOF), which are considered to be a good choice for providing inexpensive high bandwidth data links, for local area networks and telecommunication applications. Recent development of the interfacial gel polymerization technique has caused a dramatic reduction in the total attenuation in GIPOF, and this is one of the potential methods to prepare fiber preforms for the fabrication of dye-doped polymer-fiber amplifiers. In this paper, the preparation of a dye-doped graded-index poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) rod by the interfacial gel polymerization method using a PMMA tube is reported. An organic compound of high-refractive index, viz., diphenyl phthalate (DPP), was used to obtain a graded-index distribution, and Rhodamine B (Rh B), was used to dope the PMMA rod. The refractive index profile of the rod was measured using an interferometric technique and the index exponent was estimated. The single pass gain of the rod was measured at a pump wavelength of 532 nm. The extent of doping of the Rh B in the preform was studied by axially exciting a thin slice of the rod with white light and measuring the spatial variation of the fluorescence intensity across the sample.

Verbal reasoning : graded test papers 1.

El libro contiene 10 exámenes de razonamiento verbal (de 50 minutos de duración cada uno) con una mezcla de los diferentes tipos de preguntas que se pueden encontrar en los pruebas oficiales. Dirigido a alumnos de enseñanza secundaria, los ejercicios van aumentando de dificultad gradualmente, lo que les permitirá ir adquiriendo confianza poco a poco hasta alcanzar el nivel requerido. Al final del libro hay una tabla para apuntar los resultados de cada test y controlar el progreso de los alumnos, y un apartado con las soluciones.

Verbal reasoning : graded test papers 2.

El libro contiene 10 exámenes de razonamiento verbal (de 50 minutos de duración cada uno) con una mezcla de los diferentes tipos de preguntas que se pueden encontrar en los pruebas oficiales. Dirigido a alumnos de enseñanza secundaria, los ejercicios van aumentando de dificultad gradualmente, lo que les permitirá ir adquiriendo confianza poco a poco hasta alcanzar el nivel requerido. Al final del libro hay una tabla para apuntar los resultados de cada test y controlar el progreso de los alumnos, y un apartado con las soluciones.

English tests : graded multiple choice : A1. 'Test de Inglés : respuesta de múltiple elección : A1'.

Se trata de una serie de libros de test de respuesta de múltiple elección sobre el idioma inglés. La serie abarca los seis niveles del Marco Común Europeo, de A1 a C2, con un libro dedicado a cada nivel. Cada libro se compone de doce test de 30 minutos, cada uno de los cuales puede ser fácilmente realizado y corregido. Pero no son sólo pruebas para determinar los conocimientos de un estudiante en gramática y vocabulario, también están diseñados para ser utilizados como herramientas de enseñanza valiosas por derecho propio, permitiendo a profesores y estudiantes revisar las estructuras más comunes y las dificultades del lenguaje inglés, así como controlar su progreso a medida que avanzan.