Qualitative Modeling

The paper presents a generic model for designing re-configurable C4ISR systems. The paper recognizes that despite the detailed guidelines provided ,by the Department ,of Defense ,Architecture Framework (DODAF) for designing systems-of-systems (SOS), DODAF may not be appropriate for creating adaptive C4ISR systems. Most importantly, DODAF lacks any theoretical foundation for designing not only C4ISR systems, but also for creating any SOS such as the Department of Defense’s (DOD) visionary Global Information Grid (GIG) that requires integration of coalition partners. Using axiomatic theory, the scientific concepts for creating Integrated Manufacturing Production Systems (IMPSs), the value system model, and borrowing from Martin’s work [Martin Book II 1990] for creating information-based enterprises, we have,constructed the generic model ,that could serve as a template ,for designing an adaptive ,C4ISR. More importantly, the paper recognizes that future DOD systems-of-systems must foll...

The first high-resolution mapping of mud volcanoes and mud domes of the Central Mediterranean Ridge (Eastern Mediterranean) presented here is based on successive in situ observations from the Nautile submersible [MEDINAUT (1998) and NAUTINIL (2003) surveys] and near-bottom side-scan sonar data (MEDINETH cruise, 1999). Data were obtained over two types of clay-kinetic-related features previously identified south of Crete: the Olimpi field mud volcanoes and the Southern belt mud domes, characterized by highly contrasting morpho-acoustic characteristics. Using the new data we can better define the morphological and backscatter characteristics of both mud volcanoes and mud domes and illustrate their similarities and differences; and establish ground truth, in terms of the presence or not of mud flows, diagenetic carbonate pavements, active seepage and macro-and microbiology. This study reveals strong contrasts between: (1) large mud volcanoes, made of successive mud flows, and associated with diagenetic carbonates and fluid venting activity, and (2) smaller mud domes, characterized by steep slopes affected by sedimentary instabilities, and without any evidence of mud flow, specific fluid seepage activity, authigenic carbonate pavement, or biologic communities. From these results we demonstrate a strong variability of clay-kinetic structures from the central domain of the Mediterranean Ridge accretionary complex to its northern thrust boundary against the Cretan continental backstop. From an integration of the high-resolution results to the Mediterranean Ridge geologic and structural settings, a qualitative model is finally proposed to explain the mud volcano and mud dome emplacement.

Epiclastic volcanogenic rocks recovered from the Kerguelen Plateau during Ocean Drilling Program Legs 119 and 120 comprise (pre-)Cenomanian(?) claystones (52 m thick, Site 750); a Turonian(?) basaltic pebble conglomerate (1.2 m thick, Site 748; Danian mass flows (45 m thick, Site 747); and volcanogenic debris flows of Quaternary age at Site 736 (clastic apron of Kerguelen Island). Pyroclastic rocks comprise

We have recently theorized that consciousness is intrinsically connected to quantum mechanical spin since said spin is embedded in the microscopic structure of spacetime and is more fundamental than spacetime itself, that is, spin is the "mind-pixel." Applying these ideas to the particular structures and dynamics of the brain, we have developed a qualitative model of quantum consciousness. In this

Most environmental impact assessments in Mexico are short-duration studies that tend to be descriptive rather than analytical and predictive. Therefore, a general methodology has been developed for the prediction and communication of ecological impacts in situations where time, funds, and information are major limitations. The approach] involves two stages: (1) environmental characterization and (2) prediction and analysis of impacts. In stage 1, the assessment team is divided into autonomous groups; the groups work on the same land systems, which are characterized based on literature, aerial photography, and short field observations. In stage 2, the groups meet to evaluate impacts by means of interaction matrices and nonnumerical simulation models. This methodology has proved to be valuable to perform environmental impact statements for large engineering projects in Mexico.

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Lambert's model for diffuse reflection is extensively used in computational vision. It is used explicitly by methods such as shape from shading and photometric stereo, and implicitly by methods such as binocular stereo and motion detection. For several real-world objects, the Lambertian model can prove to be a very inaccurate approximation to the diffuse component. While the brightness of a Lambertian surface is independent of viewing direction, the brightness of a rough diffuse surface increases as the viewer approaches the source direction. A comprehensive model is developed that predicts reflectance from rough diffuse surfaces. The model accounts for complex geometric and radiometric phenomena such as masking, shadowing, and interreflections between points on the surface. Experiments have been conducted on real samples, such as, plaster, clay, sand, and cloth. All these surfaces demonstrate significant deviation from Lambertian behavior. The reflectance measurements obtained are in strong agreement with the reflectance predicted by the proposed model. The paper is concluded with a discussion on the implications of these results for machine vision.