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Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) issued a scathing denouncement on Thursday of gubernatorial candidate Tim Donnelly over the fellow Republican's attempt to tie his main rival, Neel Kashkari, to fundamentalist Islamic law.
"There is no place in any public discussion for this type of hateful and ignorant garbage," Issa said in a statement. "As far as I'm concerned, this type of stupidity disqualifies Tim Donnelly from being fit to hold any office, anywhere. Donnelly is no longer a viable option for California voters."
Donnelly could not immediately be reached for comment.
In Facebook and on Twitter, Donnelly said this week that Kashkari condoned the strictures of Sharia law because he once participated in a U.S. Treasury conference about Islamic finance. Sharia law is an Islam-based code that governs personal and business behavior and includes harsh penalties for homosexuality and adultery.
Kashkari called the attack "absurd on its face." He delivered introductory remarks at a 2008 forum called "Islamic Finance 101" that was sponsored by the U.S. Department of the Treasury under President George W. Bush's tenure and by Harvard Law School's Islamic Finance Project. Kashkari was an assistant Treasury secretary at the time.
The forum, he said, focused on showing how free-market principles can be used in nations that follow Islamic finance rules, such as not allowing the charging of interest.
Issa, who endorsed Kashkari last week, is the most prominent Republican to denounce Donnelly's comments. He said that he had faced similar "baseless charges" because of his Arab American background.
"I was offended and outraged that someone who would run for the highest office in our state would resort to such hateful and disgusting rhetoric," Issa said. "It is crap like this that gives Republicans a bad name and there is no place in the Republican Party or in this race for someone like Tim Donnelly."


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Short version for skimmers:
--4 months of concentrated prayer
--4 months of abundant Gospel sowing (intentional evangelism)
Details for those who have a couple of minutes:
A few days ago, Geovanny and I were talking "shop" about various aspects of the Lord's work going on here in Guayaquil. In the middle of the conversation, he said, "have I told you yet that we are no longer a single church meeting at "11 and Huancavilca", but are now a network of six house churches?"
Seeing my obvious interest, he proceeded to share what had taken place over the past few months...
"In April 2008 there were 29 of us meeting together in our church. We decided to ask God for 70 new believers by year's end. From April to August we did nothing but pray. Some weeks we would fast and pray, other times we stayed up all night praying...but prayer was our focus, praying the Lord of the Harvest for laborers and praying for the "70". We prayed individually and collectively for four months.
Sometime around mid-August we started praying less, but began implementing an evangelistic emphasis every month. At first we thought a single monthly effort would not be enough. But because of the spiritual preparation make by the previous months of concentrated prayer, we were amazed at the response these evangelistic efforts were bearing in spiritual fruit.
By year's end (2008) we had surpassed our prayed for goal of 70, and were busy discipling 110 new believers --the fruit given to us by the Lord from these monthly evangelistic efforts. In Feb-Mar of this year, these new disciples began meeting in five homes closer to where they lived. Nelson is now leading the "Villa España" church, José the "Sucre y 14" group, Marcos and Tania the "Balerio" church, Juán the "Febres Cordero y 14" group, and William the "35 y El Oro" house church.
For 2009-2010 we plan to continue our PRAYER-EVANGELISM strategy and are now asking the Lord for 300 new disciples and 20 new churches by the end of next year..."
Observations. 110 new believers from an initial 29 is a phenomenal 380% growth rate. How many churches do you know with this kind of growth in less than a year? How many churches have you heard about recently that planted five other churches in less than a year?
As much as I quizzed Geovanny, the only "strategy" was prayer and proclamation of the Gospel. So much for all the fancy stuff we think we have to do to reach the lost! No surveys taken, no $150 conferences (plus $800 airfare/hotel) to learn "how to", no $$$ spent on media campaigns, no stadiums rented out, no free concerts or hot dogs...just prayer and proclamation. Sometimes I think we ought to take a year's fast from all our books, conferences, blogs, internet, and do nothing more than get serious about prayer, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in what Jesus would have us do to reach our lost family, friends, neighbors and co-workers with the Good News of Christ.
What are your own observations? What can we learn from the above? Is there anything in Geovanny's testimony that speaks to your heart about prayer, evangelism or church planting?

subset: commoncrawl


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What is Teletherapy?
Teletherapy is providing therapy through a live video connection over the internet. You receive the same treatment as you would in-person, but it's just done through a computer! If you've ever used Skype on your computer or FaceTime on your iPhone, you've used the same type of Technology teletherapy uses. All of our therapists are available for in-person or Teletherapy sessions.
Teletherapy Demo
Teletherapy Instructions:
- If you have booked a Teletherapy appointment with one of our therapists:
- Log on to the Client Portal using Google Chrome or Firefox:
- Give yourself 10 minutes prior to your appointment start time so you are set and ready to go at your scheduled time.
- User name: (emailed to you when you made your first appointment)
- Password: (emailed to you when you made your first appointment)
- When you log on, you will see this screen:
- Click on Teletherapy
- Accept the incoming call from your therapist.
NOTE: It is recommended to test your log in and make sure you can find the correct page in advance of your appointment. This will maximize your time with your counselor. If you have any problems, please call our office at 541-550-7940 for help.


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Kuoni Destination Management
We are a wholly owned and full service DMC provider, specialized in the areas of Meetings & Events, Incentives, Congresses/Conventions and other Destination Management service solutions. We believe in building long lasting client and supplier partnerships through trust, transparency and reliability – with maximum value creation for you.
Our extensive network and experienced team members are accustomed to catering to a diverse range of requests – from an exclusive and intimate incentive to a multi-destination product launch. We're renowned for creating experiences rich in detail, whilst offering vibrant local color and seamless global delivery. Our 30 offices possess a killer combination; they're filled with people who have unrivalled destination knowledge, doing what they love the most – and they're doing it with the latest technology to hand. This all means we're able to provide you with a quality of service and the solutions you need, wherever and however you require them.
We are in Spain since 1975 and our headquarter is located in Barcelona. We are 39 staff in Barcelona and 12 in Madrid, with mates coming from all over Europe. We can deliver memorable experiences in Spain but all over the world.
Contacto principal
Carlos Sabaté
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Avenida Diagonal 416, 3º 08037 Barcelona


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Why does the Kerry Blue Terrier Foundation exist?
The Foundation exists to protect the interest of Kerries and their owners.The goals of the Foundation are spelled out in detail in our Mission Statement. The Foundation accomplishes its mission by (1) providing free information through its web site and newslist, (2) helping rescue dogs abandoned by owners or breeders, and (3) preventing future genetic problems by providing funds for health & genetic research.
Are donations to the Foundation Tax Deductible?
Yes. The Kerry Blue Terrier Foundation is a nonprofit public benefit corporation, funded solely by tax-deductible donations under Section 501(c)(3) of
the US Internal Revenue Code. Our IRS Determination Letter is available for inspection.
Donations to the Foundation are not deductible in other countries. Donations to the Kerry Blue Terrier Foundation of Canada are not tax deductable.
How are donors assured that funds will be spent wisely?
The Foundation employs the services of a CPA who makes sure that the Foundation complies with the stringent IRS requirements regarding the use of funds to keep our tax-free status. The president of the Foundation has an MBA and is a Certified Treasury Professional. He was a contributing editor for the Journal of Cash Management and has managed millions of dollars for national corporations. The Foundation accounting records are open for inspection.
Our investments are made is Certificates of Deposit only.
The Foundation has no members, only a Board of Directors who are not compensated. All funds are utilized to carry out the mission of the Foundation. The Foundation pays no salaries.
Will the Kerry Blue Foundation exist into perpetuity?
Everything has been done to make this possible. The KBT Foundation is a public benefit corporation--a legal entity that has no expiration. The Board of Directors is staggered so that every year 1/5 of the Board is new, and 4/5 has experience running the Foundation. This provides continuity in management and ensures smooth operation into the future.
The Foundation is well funded and keeps financial reserves for contingencies.
Who is on the Kerry Blue Terrier Foundation Board?
Board members are selected for five-year staggered terms. All are volunteers and are not compensated. The current Board members are listed on the web site:
How are Health & Genetic projects selected?
The funding of Health & Genetics projects will be decided by theboa rd of the KBT Foundation. Dr. W. Jean Dodds sits on our board and has been instrumental in selecting appropriate projects to fund. The selection of the projects will also be discussed in public on the KB-L newslist.
How does the Foundation work with breeders?
The Foundation values and supports Kerry breeders by providing the following free services:
- Breeder Directory listing
- Placement documents: Adoption Questionnaire
- and Contract (Foundation documents have been used by several national dog breed clubs and are recognized as some of the best documents available.)
- Assistance with screening and home checks.
- Rescuing and returning Kerries to responsible breeders when the breeder is known.
- Breeding information on the web site.
Does the Foundation return rescue dogs to the breeders?
Yes. The Foundation returns rescue dogs to breeders, if they are willing to accept them. However, there are circumstances where returning a rescue dog to a breeder is not possible, or in the best interest of the Kerry.
- The Foundation cannot return a dog it doesn't have in its possession. Many owners decline to release their dogs to Rescue, preferring instead to place or sell the dogs themselves. Under those circumstances, the Foundation often assists these owners in placing the Kerry in a suitable home.
- Some owners choose not to contact the breeders themselves, and request that we not do so either. We respect the owners wishes.
- A surprising number of owners don't even know who their dog's breeder is, usually in cases where the dog is older. Many owners lost the registration papers years ago, and can't remember the dog's kennel prefix or even the town the dog came from.
- Some owners did not acquire their Kerries from breeders. They got them from the dog's previous owner, who may have gotten the dog from yet another previous owner, and so on. Tracking all these former owners may prove impossible.
- The breeder of a dog retrieved from a shelter can almost never be identified. Shelters don't release the names of the former owners, and generally never know the breeding of a dog--and if they did, they would not release that information.
- The breeder of a dog may not be identified until after it is rescued and in foster care, as in the case of owners who have died or been moved to nursing homes. Immediate identification is not always possible.
It is the Foundation's policy to honor and respect the rights of responsible breeders by returning Rescue dogs to them (1) when those breeders are identified, (2) when the owner has agreed, and (3) when the dog is in our possession. Among other things, responsible breeders should carefully screen their puppy buyers, sell with written contracts, stay in touch with the buyers, and take back dogs of their breeding.
The Foundation also honors and respects responsible owners, their legal property rights, and their privacy, and it puts the dog's interests first. It does not honor nor respect irresponsible breeders--such as those holding USDA licenses to mass-produce puppies, those who operate puppy mills or sell to them, those who sell to distributors/brokers or pet stores, or those who have an established history of refusing to take back dogs of their breeding.
How does the KBT Foundation work with breed clubs?
Because a dialog with the breed clubs may be beneficial to the breed, the Foundation continues to remain open to joint projects with breed clubs such as pamphlet publication, cooperative advertising, and fundraising. The USKBTC has not been open or cooperative on any issues relating to the Foundation. In fact, the USKBTC has shown open hostility towards the work of the Foundation, however, this has been diminished in the last few years. Nevertheless, the USKBTC web site still shows derogatory comments about the Foundation. Many club members, as individuals, have been working closely with the Foundation to help Kerrries in need.
The Foundation continues to hope for cooperation with the USKBTC and other local clubs on issues of common concern.
How is the KB-L Newslist moderated?
The KB-L Newslist has specific rules governing membership and the posting of messages on the list. The KB-L list rules are not unique and are fairly uniformly applied in many professional newslists around the world. While the published rules are quite detailed, they are all common sense: no personal attacks or attacks on the Foundation, only messages related to Kerries, no commercial posts, and no obscene language. As with most special interest lists, a moderator oversees the newslist. In the case of KB-L, except for the first message, messages are NOT reviewed by the moderator before they are posted. When a subscriber violates the published rules, the moderator has several options. He may require that that person submit her posts to the moderator before they are posted for all to see ("on review"). Or, in severe cases, he may ban the subscriber from the list or even petition Lsoft to ban her/him from ALL listserv lists.
A KB-L subscription is a privilege, not a right.
To who is the Foundation accountable?
The Foundation can only exist with the support of the Kerry community. Everyone can be a donor, yet without you--the Kerry community--the Foundation cannot exist. Therefore, the Foundation is accountable to the Kerry community. Breeder clubs, on the other hand, are accountable to their dues-paying members, and hence will defend and protect their members and put breeder "rights" first, as opposed to defending and protecting Kerries and their responsible owners. The Foundation always puts the dogs' interest first.
Other questions? Contact John Van den Bergh, President.


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I can't speak very good French, I can just about get by in a boulangerie. My language deficiency doesn't stop me being able to enjoy the excellent work of Sanaa K though. Her illustrations feature a lot of French text and, from what I can gather, are autobiographical. She also has songs that accompany many of her illustrations and give a further insight to the mood and emotion in each bit of work.
Tag Archives: Illustration
Robert Ball's work seems kind of familiar but even though I've never seen it before it looks better than I remembered it. Maybe it's just better than I expect it be. His cartoony, geometric style is nostalgic and comforting but the attention to detail and clever thinking adds a nice little surprise.
Billmund is an illustrator with a mega cool comic book/Disney style. I try to limit the pictures for each post to just three but I had decided on my trio before I saw the mickey mouse hand holding the gun and, well, I'm a sucker for a pencil sketch. Check out his portfolio here for a thoroughly enjoyable visual treat.
The one and only reason I haven't posted any of Thibaud Herem's work before is because when I first saw it it was on a multitude of other blogs. I was late to the party, but now Herem has updated with a few new illustrations and was kind enough to tell us about it. So before the inevitable deluge of his new work spreads its way over the internet I am going to get in early and post it here… enjoy.
Stippling is not a process seen very often, probably because it is so incredibly laborious, but the results are excellent. Renzo Razzetto, a Florida based illustrator, uses the technique to great effect creating abstract and slightly obscene compositions; a welcome change to the standard domain of stippling, the scientific text book.
I love this illustration by Nick Sheehy aka Showchicken. There are lots more exceptional, but more surreal, drawings over on his site. Pilfered from Tobias Hall, thanks.
I've wanted to feature the work of Blake Wright for a while now but have been unsure how appropriate his work is for this blog, but after his recent updates I don't feel I can put it off any longer. The subjects to his work are usually either fashion (especially shoes) or gay culture but every illustration is riddled with Wright's brilliantly irreverent sense of humour. His style is so casual that it could sometimes be construed as simply bad, but it fits perfectly with the humour in the images. A lot of his work is NSFW and if you aren't a fan of nob drawings, or at the very least you don't find them funny, don't bother visiting his site.
I love both the style and craft of Dutch illustrator, Raymond Lemstra's work. His 'About' section on his site is also very enlightening, giving a real insight into not just him but how he goes about his work and why.
Here is a very nice collection of some of Philip Castle's non-commercial illustrations. Castle is best known for the work he did for the Stanley Kubrik films A Clockwork Orange and Full Metal Jacket, but his more abstract and satirical illustrations are by far my favourite.
Lord Dunsby is the pseudonym of illustrator Steven Millington. His illustrations are ace, he has a very distinct retro style that lends itself perfectly to illustrations of Emma Peel. Despite having depictions of my favourite Avengers character in is portfolio, I actually prefer his brilliant decorative hand-drawn type.
Silhouette Masterpiece Theatre might not be the most modest of names for a set of illustrations but it is doubtlessly fitting. Wilhelm Staehle clearly has a brilliant sense of humour, not only are the postcard illustrations very funny, but even his bio will make you chuckle.
via ONEEIGHTNINE
I love the attention to detail in this map by Abigail Daker, I assume that it must be huge and she must have an unbelievable amount of patience. For more illustrated map goodness, check out this great one of Reykjavik's centre.
Great compositions, tremndous skill and a distinct style, it is therefore no surprise that Ricardo Fumanal is doing so well.
Maricor / Maricar have a lot of spectacular work; I particularly love their stitched typography. They do some pretty amazing things with paper too.
Its been difficult for a while now to find a definitive place to view any of Fafi's work; her website was a bit vague and although her Cool Cats blog was great it didn't have as much work on there as I would have liked. Now she has a Tumblr that looks like it will become her online portfolio and to make things even better it has some new work on it. Find it here.
French is a very talented British illustrator, his work has just the right amount of 'dark'.
Richard Haines' illustrations are beautifully simple yet, his economy with lines doesn't stop his drawings expressing the character and likeness of his subjects. Check out his blog here; a style blog where the photos have been replaced with his wonderful sketches. The odd photo does crop up showing you how wonderfully he captures people with his drawings.
I love this image. It's one of many fine illustrations by Sebastian Pape.
Silence Television, online portfolio of Gianmarco Magnani has recently been updated with some new work. He has turned his very skillful hand at illustrating guitars and girls. These new illustrations do not disappoint but I still prefer the previous theme of their work; girls and vintage motorbikes.


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KILMARNOCK's defeat at Firhill a fortnight ago turned out to be a blessing in disguise. As every good supporter hoped it would do, it shook them out of their complacency and restored to their play that sense of grim determination and urgency that had been missing for a month. They took the field on Saturday at Rugby Park meaning to make somebody pay and Falkirk were the sufferers to the tune of a 9-2 trouncing. In this mood Kilmarnock would hare beaten any opposition in Scotland and probably well beyond its bounds as well. They played brilliantly, turning on a blend of pace, power and precision that had Falkirk baffled and bewildered and, long before the finish, thoroughly routed.
The rampant Rugby Parkers were up 6-0 at half-time and had added three more goals without reply with only 9 minutes of the second session gone. Scotland's top-scoring winger, Brian McIlroy scored four and Jackie McInally three and if the former hadn't, missed a penalty kick the Killie tally would have run into double figures. Probably relaxing a little on account of the tremendous pace they set for the greater part of the game, Killie appeared to become careless on occasion in the later stages and Falkirk took advantage to score twice,
McInally's Quick Hat-Trick
The rout of the Bairns started in the first minute with a goal from McILROY, Young Stuart Layburn, deputising for the injured Andy King, sent the ball forward for the winger to crash a right foot shot past Whigham. Three minutes later Whigham could only parry another McIlroy shot and BEATTIE was at hand to flick the ball into the net. Hereabouts JACKIE McINALLY(right) stepped into the picture with a great 13-minute hat-trick. He shot his first in the 19th minute to complete a neat inter-passing move with Brown, netted his second 10 minutes later from a McIlroy-made opening and with. 32 minutes clocked moved right through the Falkirk defence in a great solo run which ended with him dribbling the ball round Whigham and flicking it into the net. Seconds from the interval came an amazing sixth goal for Kilmarnock from opportunist McILROY. Taking a short corner kick, Sneddon sent the ball to Beattie who in turn pushed it back to McILROY for the winger to beat Whigham from an almost impossible position on the bye-line.
The goal-hungry Killie fans, their appetite whetted by this first-half scoring spree, were shouting for more when the game resumed and they got them - 3 in 8 minutes. Sneddon, operating on the left wing, released a fast cross which Whigham could only parry and BROWN first-timed the ball to the back of the net. That was in the 2nd minute and in the 5th McILROY fastened on to a pass from Murray to make it 8-0 and complete his hat-trick. It took McILROY only 4 more minutes to make it 9-0 when he outpaced Rae and hammered another unsaveable shot past the 'keeper. And the final tally should have been at least ten for in the 61st minute, when Pierson pulled down McInally, Killie were awarded a penalty kick but McIlroy shot weakly and Whigham made an easy save.
Falkirk Hit Back
That finished the Killie goal spree, although McIlroy and Beattie later failed with likely chances to keep it going, but it didn't end the scoring. Falkirk hit back with two goals from MAXWELL. He shot the first seconds after the missed penalty and headed the second from a Fulton free-kick in 80 minutes. On top of this Fulton missed a great chance to make the final tally 9-3.
Despite their heavy defeat, Falkirk weren't such a bad side. The fact that Forsyth had to make a series of fine saves in. the first-half, that Falkirk scored twice in the second and Watson saved a certainty by heading clear from under the bar showed that against a less devastating, deadly soccer machine as this all-action hard-hitting Kilmarnock team they would not have been so far out of the picture. Whigham showed himself to be a "keeper of above average ability although losing nine goals and Rae and Pierson were serviceable half-backs. Maxwell and Wilson never stopped trying against a cock-a-hoop Killie defence
and the latter showed his flair for marksmanship with his two smartly-taken goals. Falkirk took their trouncing sportingly. The only jarring incident came in the first-half when Pierson had his name taken for a foul on Sneddon.
Teamwork Triumph
And what of mighty, majestic I Killie? Well this was a triumph for outstanding teamwork. The side hadn't a weakling. Every man contributed to the victory with Beattie, McIlroy, Mclnally and Sneddon the five-star men. Manager Waddell's move in introducing Jim McFadzean at right-half was a, winner. Jim played magnificently and young Layburn was again capable deputy for an injured full back regular. Sneddon played the greater part of the second-half at outside-left but even with his usefulness impaired by injury he was still a force to be reckoned with.
This great Kilmarnock display was worth travelling a long way to see. It was club football at its best and quickly wiped out the memory of their sorry performance of the previous week. Falkirk need not feel disgraced. Much superior teams would have fared little better against Kilmarnock in this mood. It was a display worthy of a much bigger attendance than around 8000.
Kilmarnock: Forsyth; Layburn and Watson; McFadzean, McGrory Beattie; Brown, McInally, Murray, Sneddon and Mcllroy.
Referee – R. Rodger, Stonehouse.
Crowd: 7,758


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Propozycja oceny niezawodności stalowej kratownicy w warunkach pożarowych. = Proposal for the assessment of steel truss reliability under fire conditions
K. Kubicka
U. Radoń
Archives of Civil Engineering | 2015 | No 4
| 141-154
system szeregowy
system równoległy
analiza pożarowa
wskaźnik niezawodności Hasofera-Linda
serial system
parallel system
fire analysis
Hasofer-Lind reliability index
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The paper presents a proposal for the assessment of the reliability of steel truss (both statically determinate and indeterminate) in the persistent and accidental design situation. In the analysis, a probabilistic approach was used. The global Hasofer-Lind reliability index was employed, computed in successive time steps for the whole structure, not for individual elements. The statically determinate truss was modelled as a serial system from the reliability standpoint. For the statically indeterminate truss, kinematically admissible failure mechanisms were determined by means of the examination of the singularity of the stiffness matrix of the structure, converting the truss into a geometrically variable system. For the problem thus formulated, a serial-parallel reliability model was constructed. Monitoring the reliability index in the successive minutes of the fire makes it possible to estimate the probability of the structure failure, and to decide whether the required safety level is maintained.
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Postępowanie w przypadku niepewności w przypisywaniu szoku termicznego w wytrzymałości betonu włóknistego: podejście probabilistyczne. = Handling of uncertainties in attributing thermoshock in fibrous concrete strength: a probabilistic approach
G. Elangovan
V.M. Rajanandhini
Archives of Civil Engineering | 2016 | No 4 / I
| 17-33
beton włóknisty
rozkład normalny
kontrola jakości
szok termiczny
Fibrous concrete
Normal distribution
Quality control
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Hallmark professionalism in probabilistic analysis is to quantify the uncertainties involved in construction materials subject to intrinsic randomness in its physical and mechanical properties and is now gaining popularity in civil engineering arena. As well, knowledge of behaviour of materials is continuously evolving and its statistical descriptors are also changing when more and more data collected or even data updated and hence reliability analysis has to be carried out with the updated data as a continuous process. As per the committee report ACI 544.2R, it is found that there is no attempt made for probabilistic relation between cube compressive strength and cylinder compressive strength for fiber reinforced concrete. In consequence of this report, a robust relation between cube and cylinder of experimentally conducted compressive strength was established by Monte-Carlo simulation technique for different types of fibrous concrete like steel, alkali resistant glass and polyester fibrous concrete before and after thermoshock considering various uncertainties. Nevertheless simulated probabilistic modals, characteristic modals, optimized factor of safety and allowable designed cylinder compressive strength have been developed from the drawn probability of failure graph, which exhibits robust performance in realistic Civil Engineering materials and structures.
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Wpływ kryteriów zgodności na wartość wskaźnika niezawodności. = Influence of compliance criteria on the value of reliability index
I. Skrzypczak
L. Buda-Ożóg
Archives of Civil Engineering | 2016 | No 2
| 191-203
kontrola zgodności
wskaźnik niezawodnosci
konstrukcje betonowe
element żelbetowe
conformity control
reliability index
reinforced concrete structures
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Statistical conformity criteria for the compressive strength of concrete are a matter of debate. The criteria can have prejudicial effects on construction quality and reliability. Hence, the usefulness of statistical criteria for the small sample size n = 3 is questioned. These defects can cause a reduction in the quality of produced concrete and, consequently, too much risk for the recipient (investor). For this reason, the influence of conformity control on the value of the reliability index of concrete and reinforced concrete has been determined. The authors limited their consideration to the recommended standards PN-EN 206-1, PN-EN 1992 and ISO 2394 method of reliability index, which belongs to the analytical methods FORM (First Order Reliability Method). It assumes that the random variables are defined by two parameters of the normal distribution or an equivalent normal: the mean and the standard deviation. The impact of conformity control for n = 3 for concrete structures, designed according to the Eurocode 1992, for which the compressive strength of concrete is the capacity dominant parameter (sensitivity factor of dominating resistance parameter according to the FORM is 0.8), has been determined by evaluation of the reliability index.
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Probabilistyczna analiza przestrzennej kratownicy opisanej wielowymiarową zmienną losową. = Probabilistic analysis of a space truss by means of a multidimensional variable description
P. Sorn
J. Górski
J. Przewłócki
Archives of Civil Engineering | 2015 | No 2
| 99-123
teoria niezawodności
metoda estymacji rozkładem dyskretnym
kratownica przestrzenna
imperfekcje geometryczne i materiałowe
analiza nośności granicznej
point estimated method
limit load analysis
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Probabilistic analysis of a space truss is presented in the paper. Reliability of such a structure is sensitive to geometrical and material imperfections. The objective of this paper is to present a variant of the point estimate method (PEM) to determine mean values and standard deviations of limit loads of engineering structures. The main advantage presented by this method is the small number of sample calculations required to obtain estimators of investigated parameters. Thus the method is straightforward, requiring only preliminaries of probability theory. This approach is illustrated by limit state analysis of a space truss, considering geometric and material imperfections. The calculations were performed for different random models, so the influence of random parameters on the limit load of the truss can be determined. A realistic snow load was imposed.
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Ocena algorytmów obliczania wskaźnika niezawodności. = The evaluation of algorithms for determination of the reliability index
A. Dudzik
U. Radoń
Archives of Civil Engineering | 2015 | No 3
| 133-147
zmienne losowe
wskaźnik niezawodności
metoda FORM
wrażliwość wskaźnika niezawodności
stateczność wyrobisk
analiza dynamiczna
ścieżka równowagi
punkt projektowy
random variables
reliability index
FORM method
sensitivity of the reliability index
dynamic analysis
equilibrium path
design point
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The study deals with stability and dynamic problems in bar structures using a probabilistic approach. Structural design parameters are defined as deterministic values and also as random variables, which are not correlated. The criterion of structural failure is expressed by the condition of non-exceeding the admissible load multiplier and condition of non-exceeding the admissible vertical displacement. The Hasofer-Lind index was used as a reliability measure. The primary research tool is the FORM method. In order to verify the correctness of the calculations Monte Carlo and Importance Sampling methods were used. The sensitivity of the reliability index to the random variables was defined. The limit state function is not an explicit function of random variables. This dependence was determined using a numerical procedure, e.g. the finite element methods. The paper aims to present the communication between the STAND reliability analysis program and the KRATA and MES3D external FE programs.
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The report on the activity of the Commission on Ethics in Science in the year 2018
Andrzej Górski
Mieczysław Grabianowski
Nauka | 2019 | No 3
ethics in science
review reliability
rules of professional promotions
secrecy of correspondence
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The report encompasses the activity of the Committee on Ethics in Science in the year 2018.
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Measurement of Noise in Supercapacitors
Arkadiusz Szewczyk
Metrology and Measurement Systems | 2017 | vol. 24 | No 4
flicker noise
measurement set-up
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A developed method and measurement setup for measurement of noise generated in a supercapacitor is presented. The requirements for noise data recording are considered and correlated with working modes of supercapacitors. An example of results of low-frequency noise measurements in commercially available supercapacitors are presented. The ability of flicker noise measurements suggests that they can be used to assess quality of tested supercapacitors.
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Probability calibration of load duration modificationfactor for timber roofs in the polish mountain zones
T. Domański
Archives of Civil Engineering | 2014 | No 2
| 195-208
snow wind loads
timber structures
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The resistance parameters of timber structures decrease with time. It depends on the type of load and timber classes. Strength reduction effects, referred to as creep-rupture effects, due to long term loading at high stress ratio levels are known for many materials. Timber materials are highly affected by this reduction in strength with duration of load. Characteristic values of load duration and load duration factors are calibrated by means of using probabilistic methods. Three damage accumulation models are considered, that is Gerhard [1] model, Barret, Foschi[2] and Foshi Yao [3] models. The reliability is estimated by means of using representative short- and long-term limit states. Time variant reliability aspects are taken into account using a simple representative limit state with time variant strength and simulation of whole life time load processes. The parameters in these models are fitted by the Maximum Likelihood Methods using the data relevant for Polish structural timber. Based on Polish snow data over 45 years from mountain zone in: Zakopane – Tatra, Świeradów – Karkonosze, Lesko – Bieszczady, the snow load process parameters have been estimated. The reliability is evaluated using representative short – and long –term limit states, load duration factor kmod is obtained using the probabilistic model.
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Investigating the links of internal and external reliability with the system conditionality in Gauss-Markov models with uncorrelated observations
Witold Prószyński
Geodesy and Cartography | 2013 | vol. 62 | No 2
internal reliability
external reliability
system conditionality
singular value decomposition
uncorrelated observations
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The relationship between internal response-based reliability and conditionality is investigated for Gauss-Markov (GM) models with uncorrelated observations. The models with design matrices of full rank and of incomplete rank are taken into consideration. The formulas based on the Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) of the design matrix are derived which clearly indicate that the investigated concepts are independent of each other. The methods are presented of constructing for a given design matrix the matrices equivalent with respect to internal response-based reliability as well as the matrices equivalent with respect to conditionality. To analyze conditionality of GM models, in general being inconsistent systems, a substitute for condition number commonly used in numerical linear algebra is developed, called a pseudo-condition^number. Also on the basis of the SVD a formula for external reliability is proposed, being the 2-norm of a vector of parameter distortions induced by minimal detectable error in a particular observation. For systems with equal nonzero singular values of the design matrix, the formula can be expressed in terms of the index of internal response-based reliability and the pseudo-condition^number. With these measures appearing in explicit form, the formula shows, although only for the above specific systems, the character of the impact of internal response-based reliability and conditionality of the model upon its external reliability. Proofs for complementary properties concerning the pseudo-condition^number and the 2-norm of parameter distortions in systems with minimal constraints are given in the Appendices. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the theory.
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Effects of electric vehicles on the Polish power generation system, emissions of CO2 and other air pollutants
Uroš Radović
Zeszyty Naukowe Instytutu Gospodarki Surowcami Mineralnymi Polskiej Akademii Nauk | 2018 | Nr 104
electric vehicles
electric energy system
reliability indices
marginal generation
generation costs
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Electric cars (SE) are currently considered to be one of the best ways to reduce CO2 and other air emissions in the transport sector as well as noise in cities. They can reduce the dependency of road transport on imported oil in a visible way. Nevertheless, the demand for electricity for a large amount of SE in road transport is not insignificant and has an impact on the power system. The article analyzes the potential impact of SE on the demand, supply, structure and costs of electricity generation as well as emissions as a result of introducing 1 million SEs by 2025 on Polish roads, and tripling this number by 2035. The competitive electricity market model ORCED was used for the calculations. The results of the analysis indicate that regardless of the charging strategy, the demand for SEs causes a slight increase in the overall electricity demand in Poland and consequently also a slight increase in power generating costs. Even a large increase in SEs in road transport will result in a rather moderate demand for additional generation capacity, assuming that power companies will have some control over the mode of charging cars. The introduction of SEs will not reduce CO2 emissions compared to conventional cars in 2025, on the contrary will increase them regardless of the loading strategy. In 2035 however, the result depends on the charging scenario and both the increase or decrease of emissions is possible. Electric vehicles will increase SO2 net emissions, but they will contribute to a decrease in the net emissions of particulates and NOx.
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The report on the activity of the Commission on Ethics in Science in the year 2015
Andrzej Zoll
Nauka | 2018 | No 2
| 175-179
ethics in science
intellectual property rights
author contribution
review reliability
rules of professional promotions
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The report encompasses the activity of the Committee on Ethics in Science in the year 2016.
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Being more idiographic in the nomothetic world
Tomasz Korulczyk
Adam Biela
Neville Blampied
Polish Psychological Bulletin | 2019 | vol. 50 | No 2
longitudinal research
Modified Brinley Plot
Reliable Change Index
idiographic approach
IBM SPSS Statistics
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Since psychology emerged as an independent field of knowledge, there has been no consensus as to how it should develop, either, in the idiographic or nomothetic way. In the course of time, due to a commitment to what was seen as objectivity in science, the nomothetic approach came to dominate psychology. Thus, researchers used mostly quantitative psychometric methods to establish general rules of human behaviour. In doing so, the essence of nomothetic research is to be extremely careful when interpreting results not to make a reasoning mistake such as the ecological fallacy, as may happen when a researcher draws conclusions about nature of the individual in the group based on average results of the whole group. In the article, we presented two methods for longitudinal research designs which address this problem, and give more idiographic information about participants; via the Reliable Change Index and the Modified Brinley Plot. Finally, we provide a IBM SPSS Statistics syntax automatizing the whole process of computation for these new features.
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The use of statistical quality control in the assessment of the waste water treatment plant "Kujawy" in Cracow
Paulina Śliz
Biuletyn KPZK | 2018 | No 272
| 382–391
wastewater management
efficiency of work
reliability of the purifying process
control charts
sewage treatment plant
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The aim of the research was the evaluation of wastewater management in terms of stability and efficiency of wastewater treatment, using statistical quality control. For this purpose, the analysis of the operation and operation of the "Kujawy" Sewage Treatment Plant was made, which is one of the most important and largest sewage management facilities in the city of Cracow. This assessment was done using control charts x for 59 observations. The analysed research period covered the multi-year from 2012 to 2016. Five key pollutant indicators were used to evaluate the work of the tested object: BOD5, CODCr, total suspension, total nitrogen and total phosphorus. In the case of the majority of them, based on the analysis of control charts, full stability of their removal was found in the tested sewage management facility. The exception was total nitrogen, for which periods of disturbed stability of its disposal processes were noted. Analysis of the effectiveness of wastewater treatment showed each time that the required efficiency of reduction of the analysed pollution indicators in the "Kujawy" Sewage Treatment Plant was achieved.
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Distributed generation as efficient measure to improve power generation adequacy
Jerzy Andruszkiewicz
Józef Lorenc
Agnieszka Weychan
Archives of Electrical Engineering | 2019 | vol. 68 | No 2
distributed generation
distribution system reliability
generation adequacy
local energy cluster
power supply safety
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The article concerns safety of power supply for the final consumers, especially its two comprising elements, which are generation adequacy and distribution system reliability. Generation adequacy has been defined with Loss of Load Probability (LOLP), Loss of Load Expectation (LOLE) and Energy Not Supplied (ENS) indices. Conclusions from generation adequacy forecast prepared by ENSTO-E for Poland compared with other European countries for the years 2020 and 2025 have been discussed along with the resulting threats. Interruptions in energy supply have been characterised by power discontinuity indicator SAIDI. Finally, a reliability and adequacy analysis have been performed for different scenarios of the Polish power system operation in order to assess possibilities of using distributed generation as a backup power source. Based on a simulation model created using the DIgSILENT Power Factory software, the reliability and adequacy calculations have been performed with the probabilistic non-sequential Monte Carlo method and they are followed by a discussion of the obtained results.
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Effectiveness of chosen robust estimation methods compared to the level of network reliability
Mieczysław Kwaśniak
Geodesy and Cartography | 2011 | vol. 60 | No 1
robust estimation
internal reliability
effectiveness of method
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The work presents the results of studies on dependence of effectiveness of chosen robust estimation methods from the internal reliability level of a geodetic network. The studies use computer-simulated observation systems, so it was possible to analyse many variants differing from each other in a planned way. Four methods of robust estimation have been chosen for the studies, differing substantially in the approach to weight modifications. For comparative reasons, the effectiveness studies have also been conducted for the very popular method in surveying practice, of gross error detection basing on LS estimation results, the so called iterative data snooping. The studies show that there is a relation between the level of network internal reliability and the effectiveness of robust estimation methods. In most cases, in which the observation contaminated by a gross error was characterized by a low index of internal reliability, the robust estimation led to results being essentially far from expectations.
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Theoretical geodesy
Andrzej Borkowski
Wiesław Kosek
Geodesy and Cartography | 2015 | vol. 64 | No 2
robust estimation
time series
polar motion
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The paper presents a summary of research activities concerning theoretical geodesy performed in Poland in the period of 2011–2014. It contains the results of research on new methods of the parameter estimation, a study on robustness properties of the M-estimation, control network and deformation analysis, and geodetic time series analysis. The main achievements in the geodetic parameter estimation involve a new model of the M-estimation with probabilistic models of geodetic observations, a new Shift-M split estimation, which allows to estimate a vector of parameter differences and the Shift- M split (+) that is a generalisation of Shift- M split estimation if the design matrix A of a functional model has not a full column rank. The new algorithms of the coordinates conversion between the Cartesian and geodetic coordinates, both on the rotational and triaxial ellipsoid can be mentioned as a highlights of the research of the last four years. New parameter estimation models developed have been adopted and successfully applied to the control network and deformation analysis. New algorithms based on the wavelet, Fourier and Hilbert transforms were applied to find time-frequency characteristics of geodetic and geophysical time series as well as time-frequency relations between them. Statistical properties of these time series are also presented using different statistical tests as well as 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th moments about the mean. The new forecasts methods are presented which enable prediction of the considered time series in different frequency bands.
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Sprawozdanie przewodniczącego Komisji do spraw Etyki w Nauce z działalności Komisji w 2017 r.
Andrzej Zoll
Nauka | 2018 | No 3
| 177–182
ethics in science
review reliability
rules of professional promotion
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The report encompasses the activity of the Committee on Ethics in Science in the year 2017.
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Analysis of human operators and industrial robots performance and reliability
Grzegorz Gołda
Adrian Kampa
Iwona Paprocka
Management and Production Engineering Review | 2018 | vol. 9 | No 1
Human factors
industrial robots
machine reliability
work performance
OEE indicator
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In the article problems related to human labor and factors affecting the increasing use of industrial robots are discussed. Since human factors affect the production processes stability, robots are preferred to apply. The application of robots is characterized by higher performance and reliability comparing to human labor. The problem is how to determine the real difference in work efficiency between human operator and robot. The aim of the study is to develop a method that allows clearly definition of productivity growth associated with the replacement of human labor by industrial robots. Another aim of the paper is how to model robotized and manual operated workstation in a computer simulation software. Analysis of the productivity and reliability of the hydraulic press workstation operated by the human operator or an industrial robot, are presented. Simulation models have been developed taking into account the availability and reliability of the machine, operator and robot. We apply OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) indicator to present how availability and reliability parameters influence over performance of the workstation, in the longer time. Simplified financial analysis is presented considering different labor costs in EU countries.
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Geodesy: General theory and methodology 2015–2018
Andrzej Borkowski
Wiesław Kosek
Marcin Ligas
Geodesy and Cartography | 2019 | vol. 68 | No 1
Robust estimation
time series
polar motion
least squares collocation
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The summary of research activities concerning general theory and methodology performed in Poland in the period of 2015–2018 is presented as a national report for the 27th IUGG (International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics) General Assembly. It contains the results of research on new or improved methods and variants of robust parameter estimation and their application, especially to control network analysis. Reliability analysis of the observation system and an integrated adjustment approach are also given. The identifiability (ID) index as a new measure for minimal detectable bias (MDB) in the observation system of a network, has been introduced. A new method of covariance function parameter estimation in the least squares collocation has been developed. The robustified version of the Shift-Msplit estimation, termed as Shift-M*split estimation, which enables estimation of parameter differences (robustly), without the need of prior estimation of the parameters, has been introduced. Results on the analysis of geodetic time series, particularly Earth orientation parameter time series, geocenter time series, permanent station coordinates and sea level variation time series are also provided in this review paper. The entire bibliography of related works is provided in the references.
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Wybrane problemy szacowania prawdopodobieństwa zawodu w sytuacji pożaru. = Selected aspects of failure probability assessment for fire situation
M. Maślak
Archives of Civil Engineering | 2011 | No 3
| 297-311
safety measures
failure probability
Safety analysis
network diagram
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To reliably calibrate suitable partial safety factors, useful for the specification of global condition describing structural safety level in considered design case, usually the evaluation of adequate failure probability is necessary. In accidental fire situation, not only probability of the collapse of load-bearing structure, but also another probability related to the people staying in a building at the moment of fire occurence should be assessed. Those values are different one from another in qualitative sense but they are coupled because they are determined by similar factors. The first one is the conditional probability with the condition that fire has already occured, whereas the second is the probability of failure in case of a potential fire, which can take place in the examined building compartment, but its ignition has not yet appeared. An engineering approach to estimate such both probabilities is presented and widely discussed in the article.
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Instruments of probabilistic optimisation of load bearing capacity and reliability of statically indeterminate complex structures
Z. Kowal
Archives of Civil Engineering | 2014 | No 1
| 77-90
load bearing capacity
probabilistic optimisation
complex structures
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The paper presents the method of probabilistic optimisation of load bearing capacity and reliability of statically indeterminate bar structures, and of coupling of members in kinematically admissible failure mechanisms (KAFM), which contain minimal critical sets of elements (MCSE). The latter are characterised by the fact that if only a single element is operational, the whole set is operational too. A method of increasing load bearing capacity and reliability of KAFM built from bars dimensioned in accordance with the code is presented. The paper also shows estimation of load bearing capacity and reliability of KAFM of the optimised structures containing elastic-plastic bars with quasi-brittle connections with nodes. The necessity of increasing connection of load bearing capacity and reliability in relation to bar reliability in order to prevent bars from being excluded from MCSE due to connection fracture is estimated.
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On Adjusting the Load Bearing Capacity of Decisive Members to Reliability Classes of Statically Determinate Complex Structures
Z. Kowal
Archives of Civil Engineering | 2013 | No 1
| 131-142
complex structures
quantiles of member load bearing capacity
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The paper provides a solution to the problem of dimensioning decisive bars on the basis of the conditions of meeting the recommended reliability classes [9] of statically determinate structures composed of n members. A theorem was formulated:if a statically determinate structure composed of n decisive members is to attain the reliability greater than, or equal to, the recommended relia-bility p = 1 – q, it is necessary and suffi cient that the damage frequency sum qᵢ of decisive members is smaller than the admissible damage frequency q of thestructure: ∑qᵢ < q. On the basis of this theorem, s coeffi cients that recommend increase of the load bearing capacity of the decisive bars in a statically determinate structure constructed in order to meet the recommended class [9] of the structure reliability, are estimated and presented in a tabular form.
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Transforming distribution system into a sustainable isolated microgrid considering contingency
R. Hari Kumar
N. Mayadevi
V.P. Mini
S. Ushakumari
Bulletin of the Polish Academy of Sciences: Technical Sciences | 2019 | No. 5
isolated microgrid
distributed generation
prioritized load management
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Currently, the distribution system has been adapted to include a variety of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). Maximum benefits can be extracted from the distribution system with high penetration of DERs by transforming it into a sustainable, isolated microgrid. The key aspects to be addressed for this transformation are the determination of the slack bus and assurance of reliable supply to the prioritized loads even during contingency. This paper explores the possibilities of transforming the existing distribution system into a sustainable isolated network by determining the slack bus and the optimal locations and capacity of Distributed Generators (DGs) in the isolated network, taking into account the contingencies due to faults in the network. A combined sensitivity index is formulated to determine the most sensitive buses for DG placement. Further, the reliability based on the loss of load in the isolated system when a fault occurs is evaluated, and the modifications required in for reliability improvement are discussed. The supremacy of the transformed isolated network with distributed generators is comprehended by comparing the results from conventional IEEE 33-bus grid connected test system and modified IEEE 33-bus isolated test system having no interconnection with the main grid.
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Seeking realistic upper-bounds for internal reliability of systems with uncorrelated observations
Witold Prószyński
Geodesy and Cartography | 2014 | vol. 63 | No 1
internal reliability
law of gross errors
probability-derived formula
binomial distribution
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From the theory of reliability it follows that the greater the observational redundancy in a network, the higher is its level of internal reliability. However, taking into account physical nature of the measurement process one may notice that the planned additional observations may increase the number of potential gross errors in a network, not raising the internal reliability to the theoretically expected degree. Hence, it is necessary to set realistic limits for a sufficient number of observations in a network. An attempt to provide principles for finding such limits is undertaken in the present paper. An empirically obtained formula (Adamczewski 2003) called there the law of gross errors, determining the chances that a certain number of gross errors may occur in a network, was taken as a starting point in the analysis. With the aid of an auxiliary formula derived on the basis of the Gaussian law, the Adamczewski formula was modified to become an explicit function of the number of observations in a network. This made it possible to construct tools necessary for the analysis and finally, to formulate the guidelines for determining the upper-bounds for internal reliability indices. Since the Adamczewski formula was obtained for classical networks, the guidelines should be considered as an introductory proposal requiring verification with reference to modern measuring techniques.
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On the design of an automated system for the characterization of the electromigration performance of advanced interconnects by means of low-frequency noise measurements
Graziella Scandurra
Sofie Beyne
Gino Giusi
Carmine Ciofi
Metrology and Measurement Systems | 2019 | vol. 26 | No 1
low-frequency noise measurements
electron devices reliability
dedicated instrumentation
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Low-frequency noise measurements have long been recognized as a valuable tool in the examination of quality and reliability of metallic interconnections in the microelectronic industry. While characterized by very high sensitivity, low-frequency noise measurements can be extremely time-consuming, especially when tests have to be carried out over an extended temperature range and with high temperature resolution as it is required by some advanced characterization approaches recently proposed in the literature. In order to address this issue we designed a dedicated system for the characterization of the low-frequency noise produced by a metallic line vs temperature. The system combines high flexibility and automation with excellent background noise levels. Test temperatures range from ambient temperature up to 300◦C. Measurements can be completely automated with temperature changing in pre-programmed steps. A ramp temperature mode is also possible that can be used, with proper caution, to virtually obtain a continuous plot of noise parameters vs temperature.
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A 1.3 Billion Euro Deal: Shandong Ruyi Group Completes Its Acquisition of A Controlling Stake in SMCP, Parent Company of Sandro
This Tuesday, Shandong Ruyi Group completed its acquisition of a controlling stake in SMCP, the French firm behind Parisian fashion brands Sandro and Maje, for about 1.3 billion Euros (including debt), according to source close to the deal. The acquisition will facilitate the brands to expand business in Asia markets. It marks yet another major M&A deal completed by the financially strong Chinese enterprises.
Headquartered in Paris, France, SMCP is valued at over 1 billion USD. Evelyne Chetrite and Judith Milgrom founded Sandro and Claudie Pierlot in 1984, and later Maje in 1998.
The leading global investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts&Co. (herein referred to as KKR) acquired a majority stake of Group SMCP in 2013. This acquisition will result in Shandong Ruyi Group holding a controlling stake in SMCP, while KKR would retain a minority interest in the group instead of its original 70% equity.
© Sandro
Shandong Ruyi Group intends to invest in Sandro, Maje and Claudie Pierlot with the ambition to drive further growth and development, especially in Asia. Furthermore, SMCP's design and creative teams will continue to operate from its headquarters in Paris. SMCP would retain its current strategy and organizational structure.
Since the news release of the intended acquisition in March and April, SMCP has experienced revenue growth of 19.2% for the first half of this year, especially significant increase from China. The SMCP business in France also started to recover and grow.
Sandro, Maje and Claudie Pierlot, which sell dresses priced at around 200 Euros (about 1426.44 yuan), operate in the so-called accessible segment of the luxury market, enjoying solid demand among fast-growing middle classes, particularly in countries such as China. Sales in China accounts for 10% of the group total.
As SMCP seeks global development, over half of its sales growth in the first half of this year came from regions other than France. As of June 30th, SMCP operates 1,176 point of sales in 35 countries, of which 58 are placed in 14 locations in the Chinese mainland. The group intends to further grow its global presence with plans of opening 80 to 100 new stores in 2016.
© Sandro
Daniel Lalonde, President and CEO of SMCP, also explained earlier that the group would continue its global expansion into Europe, North America, Middle East and especially Asia. He sees great potential for growth in the Chinese market as the number of middle class families in the country is expected to grow from 33 million to 85 million from 2011 to 2020, new target customers of the group.
Yafu QIU, Chairman of Shandong Ruyi Group, noted that this acquisition would be a significant step for Shandong Ruyi Group in their continued endeavor to become a leader in the fully-integrated textiles and fashion business both in China and globally. He looks forward to supporting SMCP in achieving its long-term objective of becoming a global leader in accessible luxury.
It is not uncommon for Shandong Ruyi Group to acquire fashion brands from a relatively weaker market. As early as July 2010, Shandong Ruyi Science & Technology Group Co., subsidiary of the Shandong Ruyi Group has acquired the Japanese apparel maker Renown Inc. through directional add-issuance to become its largest shareholder.
Established in 1902, RENOWN owns a number of fashion brands and is one of Japan's most well-known listed companies. Due to the sluggish Japanese economy, RENOWN is struggling with its business in recent years. Investment from Ruyi Group would help boost its financial situations and prepare for expansion into markets in Asia, in particular China.
According to Yafu QIU, Ruyi Group would be able to establish a "4 in 1" strategy with addition of RENOWN from Japan, acquisition of another leading brand in Europe, the huge Chinese market and Ruyi's manufacturing expertise. He believed that "all the efforts would contribute to the strategic transformation of the company".
Due to operational issues, the struggling "JUDGER" brand under JUDGER Group has been acquired by Ruyi Group in August 2013. After the acquisition, Ruyi Group invested to restructure "JUDGER" into Wenzhou JUDGER Apparel Co., Ltd. With new product positioning, the brand inherits the traditional, exquisite and quality suit design while at the same time adopting fashionable and stylish elements to establish itself in the fashion industry for further development.
Shandong Ruyi Group is one of the largest textile manufacturers in the world. Its frequent acquisition of apparel brands indicates an ambition of expanding into brand and marketing section in the downstream of industry chain development. The company continues down the path towards "becoming a leader in the fully-integrated textiles and fashion business both in China and globally".
Intensified transformation and upgrade of the industry brings visitors from diversified retail and apparel sectors to C-star
With 6 months to go until C-star 2017, our exhibition invitation is in full swing. According to last year's visitor analysis, attendees came from department stores, convenience stores, restaurant chains, large supermarkets, clothing chains, shopping centers, e-commerce sector, outdoor product brands, sports brands, commercial real estate sector, hotels, furniture and other industries – of which stores with multiple retail formats as well as clothing chain brands provide the main source of C-star visitors. Physical stores combine various retail formats to enhance customer experience with personalized services, which may become one of the future trends in the retail business.
C-star continues to focus on premium retail and has become the best platform providing abundant opportunities for businesses that are undergoing transformation and upgrade.
For more information about C-star's latest developments, please visit www.c-star-expo.com.
Contact the C-star team:Ms. Ningxin Wu
Tel: +86 21-6169 8386
Fax: +86 21-6169 8301
Email: email@example.com
Ms. Marieke Bossek
Tel:+86 21-6169 8309
Fax:+86 21-6169 8301
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
5 / Cosmology and Belief
|Artist / Origin
Unknown architect(s), Mecca
Region: West Asia
Rebuilt multiple times; latest 17th century
Period: 1400 CE - 1800 CE
Granite and marble, covered with silk
Medium: Architecture and Planning
|H: 49 ft. (14.93 m.), W: 39 ft. (11.88 m.), D: 33 ft. (10.05 m.)
|Mecca, Saudi Arabia
|© Mohamed Messara/epa/Corbis
expert perspective
|Kishwar RizviAssistant Professor of Islamic Art, Yale University
Additional Resources
Blair, Sheila S., and Jonathan Bloom. The Art and Architecture of Islam, 1250–1800. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1996.
Ching, Francis D. Architecture: Form, Space, & Order. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2007.
Hillenbrand, Robert. Islamic Architecture. New York: Columbia University Press, 1994.
Peters, F.E. The Hajj: The Muslim Pilgrimage to Mecca and the Holy Places. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1995.
Rebuilt innumerable times throughout the centuries, the Ka'ba stands at the center of an enormous public square surrounded by the colonnaded cloister of the Masjid al-Haram mosque in the Saudi Arabian city of Mecca.
Cubic in form and built of granite, the Ka'ba rests on a platform of marble and is covered by a black silk drapery called the Kiswa, which is replaced annually. Ritual prayer at the site focuses on the structure's exterior. The interior is an essentially empty space ornamented only with calligraphic quotations from the Qur'an.
The Ka'ba has a long history as a site of devotional practice. According to the Qur'an (Chapter 3: 96–97), the Ka'ba was a blessed place marked by Abraham and as such became the first house of worship for all religions. At the time of the Prophet Muhammad's birth in the sixth century, the cubic structure was already an important pilgrimage site. Housed within were statues and images representing the gods of many faiths. After a long exile in Medina, Muhammad returned to Mecca, the place of his birth, in 630, and calling for the worship of a single God, cleansed the Ka'ba of its idols. From that point on, the Ka'ba was associated exclusively with Islam.
During daily prayers, no matter where they are, all Muslims turn to face in the direction of the Ka'ba. Moreover, according to Islamic teachings, it is the spiritual duty of every Muslim to make the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, called Hajj, at least once in his or her lifetime. Today, millions of Muslims make the journey, which involves several ceremonial acts, including communal circumambulation of the Ka'ba. The Ka'ba is neither the object of worship nor a house in which objects of worship are stored or sacred rituals performed. Rather, it serves to center the individual worshipper and unify the community of the faithful.


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It's been quite awhile since I've tried out Clinique's skincare products so you can imagine my excitement when I receive the Sephora-exclusive Clinique Pep-Start Collection! Don't you just love how vibrant and youthful the packaging is as compared to their standard line? Designed for the young adults who are always on-the-go, this multi-tasking range is definitely eye-catching and better still, affordable!
Clinique Pep-Start Quick Cleansing Swipes, SGD$21
Cleansing wipes are always ideal, especially on lazy days. Clinique Pep-Start Quick Cleansing Swipes refreshes skin, removes surface oil, dirt and debris with no rinsing necessary. It also provides a light dose of hydration and leaves skin smoother and more refreshed. The cloths are made of sturdy material and feel soft when cleansed around the skin, with a fragrance-free formula (in fact, this entire range is) that doesn't leave any residue on the skin. Even though it is not specifically a makeup removing wipe, it still removes majority of my makeup except for my eye makeup. But that's nothing my second round of double cleansing won't do, and I'm just happy to keep a packet around for easy cleansing when there's a time constraint.. or simply, when I'm feeling slightly lazy. I tend to simply skip my cleanser and go straight to my exfoliator.
Tip: You can also use it on upper arms, chest, back and neck to freshen up post-workout or on a mid-day meltdown – a quick swipe to simply refresh yourself conveniently.
Clinique Pep-Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser, SGD$38
Speaking of cleansers and exfoliators, here's a combination of the two in one convenient tube! This oil-free fragrance-free gel cleanser foams up easily to cleanse and refresh one's skin, while the physical and chemical exfoliation leaves skin flawless and smooth for flawless makeup application. A little goes a long way as the rich, thick consistency really lathers up.
I didn't think much about Clinique Pep-Start 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser until I was trying it out recently. I personally like how the exfoliating beads are so gentle and doesn't leave my skin feeling taut after cleansing. Instead, I was greeted by a fresh, brightened skin after using it that left me impressed by its efficacy in removing oil and dirt after a long day out with just sunblock!
Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream, SGD$45
An instant brightening and hydrating eye cream that features a blend of peptides to help combat the visible effects of your busy life. Its cool touch and de-puffing tip help keep eyes looking fresh while helps in a smoother application when it comes to your eye makeup. Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream also boasts to depuff your eyes and making it look wide awake in just 3 seconds~
The Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream is surprisingly lightweight despite it's thick, opaque texture; and absorbs even quicker onto my skin, with a matte afterfeel – doubling up as an eye primer I reckon? Perhaps it is too early to tell, so I won't reckon it really does solves the root of your eye problems (let's be realistic, nothing does but aesthetics). However, as this range promises, if you're looking for a quick fix.. this would be one that you could consider.
Clinique Pep-Start Hydroblur Moisturizer, SGD$49
A lightweight, 24/7 hydrator that provides matte moisturization, Clinique Pep-Start Hydroblur Moisturizer instantly blurs imperfections, and controls surface oil for skin; all while blurring imperfections like fine lines, wrinkles etc. Skin is left feeling soft and velvety as it sets to a matte finish but still promises to keep skin moist and hydrated throughout the day.
Personally, I wouldn't consider this as a day-to-night hydrator as my now "aging skin" needs more intensive care than just the basic hydration at night – though it did soothe my husband's sunburnt nose. That aside, I find it ideal for day use as it does doubles up as a primer whilst keeping most of my oily T-zone at bay (not an easy task). Just like the eye cream, the lightweight texture soaks in easily for a matte afterfeel that helps blurs out my pores too.. Save more time in the morning and save your money on a pore-minimizing primer by sticking to this 2-in-1 Clinique Pep-Start Hydroblur Moisturizer if you have oily/combination skin. Best used on days you need make up! x


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Jamal Story's
Diversity of Dance Company Member - Jazz & Modern
Jamal Story's early basic dance training was taken to task in hometown Los Angeles under Lula Washington, who ushered him into her adult company during his late teens. Undecided about what career to pursue, Jamal earned bachelors degrees in both Dance Performance and TV/Radio Communications at Southern Methodist University. While there, Jamal performed as a guest artist with Dallas Black Dance Theater and Fort Worth/Dallas Ballet among others. Later, Jamal danced with Donald Byrd/theGroup, Madonna's 2001 Drowned World Tour, Complexions, and (as an aerialist and dancer) Cher's Living Proof: The Farewell Tour. He has since originated The Color Purple and Motown: the Musical on Broadway, serving as a dance captain on both. An avid choreographer, Jamal has set works on several companies, taught as a full time professor ad interim at the University of Missouri Kansas City, and sits on the NY Board of SAG-AFTRA as co-chair of the unions National Dance Committee. In addition to his dance captainship on Cher's Dressed to Kill Tour, Jamal continues his advocacy for educating young artists about the changing landscape of dance. Jamal's second book, Toss in the Ether, is a dance novel released this past summer and available on his website www.jamalstory.com/tossthestory in paperback and e-book.


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Jose Mourinho wants Petr Cech replacement
Petr Cech may well have played in his last cup final for Chelsea. That's a sad truth made all the more feasible by the fact that Jose Mourinho is busy looking out for the Stamford Bridge legend's ideal replacement. Reports this morning claim that the Czech international could well find a new club in the summer, with more than one overseas outfit interested in him. Outlandish rumours yesterday that Brad Friedel would be Mourinho's go-to-man now appear predictably unfounded, although the American stopper might make a suitable number three. It's thought Cech's replacement at No.2 will instead be a considerably younger player. Elsewhere Thorgan Hazard has admitted he does want to play for Chelsea in the future, despite making a move to Borussia Moenchengladbach last month. The midfielder is eyeing a return after completing his development. Here's to hoping for shades of Nemanja Matic.


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(Tweeting as @TSupercargo)
Tarradiddle: A trivial lie; nonsense, silly talk or writing, twaddle.
What is Artwiculate if not an extended exercise in tarradiddle? Anyway, here's another tarraddile round-up!
I'm not the only one to note this today. @pn8r had some existential issues.
RT @pn8r Reflecting on my haiku and artwiculate tweets, are they no more than ephemeral tarradiddle? Am I just tweeting to the wind?
@Squawkingalah took the opportunity to reassure him, but maybe it was all just WOTD.
@graffitipoet got stuck right in to the spirit:
RT @graffitipoet What tarradiddle would you like me to exhibit today? Something extravagant, or perhaps something inventive? My pen is poised on your command
But @tinanguyen was sceptical:
RT @tinanguyen To me, tarradiddle is not a poetic word. But I know you can make some dirty rhymes with it. #artwiculate
Dirty rhymes? Sure we had them … and we had these:
RT @BurningHawk1969 I told a tarradiddle, the tiniest white lie / but it doesn't seem so diddly now your viral count's so high. #artwiculate
RT @hfeaga words that slip up / revealing your underwords / I can see your tarradiddle #artwiculate
RT @JonPowles A bit of tarradiddle underneath the hay / A bottle of scotch and … hey / who needs Omar Khayyam?
RT @Squawkingalah Tarradiddle diddle, the cat did some piddle, and boy did it stink up the room
RT @ZimmerJohn Let us dance to flute and fiddle and drink the sweetest wine. We'll trade a kiss and tarradiddle beneath the soft moonshine.
On the other had we also had some poignant and wise uses of the word in poems too.
RT @Ysabeluna your tarradiddle ~ tangled lies prick like thistle ~ insincere, fickle ~ #haiku #poetry
RT @urbanascetic Tarradiddle the pebble preceding the avalanche #sixwords #poetry #artwiculate
And of course some tweets that were just examples of Wordjoy:
RT @tWordBird Will you tarradiddle down the middle of the strait? Or will you fiddle w/the griddle while I perambulate? #poem #artwiculate
(I don't know if Wordjoy is a real word, but it seemed apporpriate!)
One definition of the WOTD is "a lie" and we had some of those:
RT @mwartwiculate I was inquiring about a room at the Hotel Tarradiddle but no one would give me a straight answer
RT @kado56 "..and just where, young lady, do you think you're going at this time of night?" ""A prayer meeting in Tarradiddle Hall, Mum"
RT @beezknez Oh What a load of / Tarradiddle, size doesn't / count and your not small / #artwiculate
RT @MaltaGoddess Top 10 Men's Tarradiddle -s: #3: I read Playboy for the articles.
@MaltaGoddess did indeed give us 10 of the best. I chose this to represent the rest because I've actually heard it said, in all seriousness.
Then of course another sense of the word is gossip:
RT @Gardencomet I never repeat tarradiddle… so listen carefully
RT @Slave_To_Coffee Feline Tarradiddle-Did you hear about the Cow? She jumped over the moon!Followed by the scandal of the Dish & the Spoon
RT @DrMobs Add real dirt/ Tarradiddle #anagrampoetry
Another nice anagram from my favourite mad scientist. And on the subject of science (he said in a desperate attempt to link two tweets):
RT @willandbeyond The science won't just do itself? Tarradiddle I say!
And so say we all! (And we all say "Hi!" to occasional Artwicuati @willandbeyond too.)
Some people got caught up in WOTD too – people with strangely familiar names. First, from the real world (if French politics qualifies):
RT @lagadu123 Barefaced tarradiddle s will soon be the only ones allowed in France, if Sarkozy has his way.
And then some artwiculation:
RT @ariandalen Sisters, Tarradiddle and Folderol sometimes dressed alike, to the point where many folks couldn't tell them apart. #artwiculate
RT @mazpowles Tarradiddle is more attractive than her friend, Mythomania, but if you ask me you can't trust either of them.
And perhaps this is the moment to introduce the original WOTD:
RT @LBY3 @Artwiculate The third Earl of Tarradiddle was an infamous liar and fornicator, giving rise to two different terms that bear his name.
And on his tombstone …
RT @TiddK "Here lies My Lord Tarradiddle – in death, as in life. RIP"
@DaveCurry had an interesting question.
RT @DaveCurry Triticale tarradiddle? Grain of untruth. #artwiculate
Triticale is a sort of grain produced by crossing wheat and rye. I didn't know that. Had to look it up. My wordhoard grows!
@harrarp's word-train is still rolling.
RT @harrarp The new caterer who had boarded the train in Perambulate offered baloney sandwiches at half price all the way to Tarradiddle.
And I was delighted to see that @lithiumzombie has taught his goldfish a new word.
RT @lithiumzombie 'Is it true you have a goldfish that can say 'blurb' and 'arse'?" / "Yes. And 'tarradiddle'."
There were a number of plays on Gone with the Wind (Tara and Fiddle-dee-dee), lets give the honours to @carolstett
RT @carolstett Tarradiddle d while Scarlett burned. #artwiculate
And welcome @carolstett to Artwiculate everyone, it's only her second day of play!
Getting to the end now (there were a lot of fun tweets today) @InVinceWil had a nice artwiculate definition:
RT @InVinceWil A troglodyte's tarradiddle is a caveman's canard.
And finally, at the top of the list (or the bottom if you're reading this in the blog version)
RT @HikiMadwoman Oh, it's the final tarradiddle at the tiddly-winks nationals…the excitement never ends! #artwiculate
Artwiculate …the excitement never ends! That's my tarradiddle round-up. Till next time, adieu!
Artwiculate is a game played on Twitter. Visit http://artwiculate.com for more information. The winning tweet and the most popular runners up for today's word are listed at http://www.artwiculate.com/words/tarradiddle (And, for addicts, don't forget Salon ArtWois at http://www.salonartwois.com/ )